I sincerely hope that “The Conjuring” is just the first of many films in which Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play Ed and Lorraine Warren.
After all, the Warrens spent decades investigating paranormal phenomena in real life, and the film introduces a structure that practically screams for sequels. We see that the Warrens have in their home a room where they keep all of the various items they have removed from the haunted houses and the other supernatural events they’ve witnessed, and that room serves as a sort of museum and safehouse in one. Everything in that room has a story of its own, and “The Conjuring” begins with the story of the Annabelle doll, a sort of introductory haunting to show us who the Warrens are.
Patrick Wilson was evidently the only cast member who was willing to visit the real room in Lorraine Warren’s house, and he showed me a photo on his phone of him in the room standing next to the real Annabelle doll. Talking to him and to Farmiga, it’s obvious that they really enjoyed making this one, and that they’re happy with the way it came out.
They should be. I reviewed the film already, and when we had the HitFix screening of the film at the Vista Theater, I paid close attention to the audience around me. I’d already seen the film, so I wanted to watch reactions, and sure enough, people were freaking out. It’s a very skillful film, and it treats the Warrens with respect. I think it is uncommonly respectful of the faith that was obviously such a cornerstone of the relationship that Ed and Lorraine had in real life.
Farmiga in particular rocks a very memorable look in the film, and I would not be surprised to see many people adopting the high collars and the long skirts for Halloween this year. This is one of those movies that has been relatively low buzz so far, but it’s going to be huge in terms of word of mouth, and I am excited to see what sort of reaction there is to it once it’s out there.
“The Conjuring” opens in theaters July 19.