Scared Sh*tless: We screened The Conjuring & Barely Survived It
Written by S.Renée
Last Thursday evening, what started out as a simple invitation to view an advanced screening of an upcoming film, quickly turned into me having a series of internal (and, at times, plain out loud &
verbal) conversations with myself, that led with the question most everyone in the theater was thinking/saying “What in the hell did I get myself into??” We were wondering, because before the screening of New Line Cinemas’ upcoming film The Conjuring began, the audience was “treated” to not one, but two surprises: a blessing of the viewing by a real-life priest, and the distribution of our very own, freshly blessed Demon Protection kits… (if you choose to stop reading now, I totally understand. My exact sentiment at this moment was to find the nearest exit and clear it before my soul could be taken hostage by what we were about to see…and trust, I wasn’t the only one). I immediately wish I hadn’t gone alone at that point, or come at all, but being that I had already driven the 45 minutes through rush-hour traffic to get there, there was no turning back. If my soul was going to be summoned by the Devil, this was it, so I said a little prayer myself, threw in a few Hail Mary’s and a Buddhist chant, and I was well on my way to view what was truly one of the creepiest films I’ve seen in a long time.
Set in the 1970s, The Conjuring is based on the true story of The Warrens, a husband and wife paranormal investigation team. They’re contracted to assist the Perron family, new home dwellers that begin experiencing disturbing, supernatural occurrences almost immediately upon their arrival. Up against the most gruesome, terrifying case of their lives, The Warrens must use their knowledge and talents to confront a supreme dark entity terrorizing the Perrons, unlike any they’ve ever witnessed. The film has received great reviews from test groups and film festival audiences, and I agree. I haven’t done that much jumping, screaming and covering my eyes in a while. It’s no wonder, though, since the film is directed by Saw and Insidious film maker, James Wan. He’s definitely putting another notch on his belt with this one.
The Conjuring stars Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston, and is set to release nationwide Friday, July 19th.
