Directed by
James Wan
Made by
New Line Cinema
Discover the intricate plot of The Conjuring (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the year 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron, along with their five daughters, move into a run-down old farmhouse located in Harrisville, Rhode Island. As they settle into their new home, one notable oddity arises: their dog refuses to enter the house. That very night, while the kids are engrossed in a game of hide-and-clap, one of the daughters stumbles upon a boarded-up cellar entrance. Following Roger’s inspection of the basement using a match, the family retires for the evening. Carolyn can’t shake off her unease as the dog barks frantically outside, and one daughter feels a disturbing tugging at her feet.
Upon waking the next day, Carolyn discovers an unexplained bruise on her body, and the family is devastated to find their dog, Sadie, dead. In the subsequent days, a series of bizarre paranormal events unfold—doors creak open and shut on their own, and Carolyn hears disembodied clapping. Disturbingly, their younger daughter Cindy sleepwalks, wandering into her older sister’s bedroom and banging her head against an old wardrobe. The situation reaches a terrifying climax when an evil spirit, resembling an elderly woman, attacks the eldest daughter.
Desperate for help, Carolyn turns to Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators. Lorraine recounts sensing a malevolent spirit that has latched onto the Perrons. Following an initial investigation, they inform the family that an exorcism may be necessary, but further evidence and authorization from the Catholic Church is a prerequisite. As they delve into the house’s shadowy past, Ed and Lorraine uncover a chilling connection to Bathsheba, an accused witch. The haunting history reveals that Bathsheba had made a sinister pact before ending her life after sacrificing her infant, vowing to curse all who dare to inhabit her land. This discovery is compounded by multiple reports of murders and suicides tied to the property.
Determined to verify the presence of Bathsheba’s spirit, Ed and Lorraine enlist the assistance of a police officer and another paranormal investigator, Drew. They set up thermal cameras and alarms throughout the house to catch evidence of the haunting. The first night yields little activity, and the clocks fail to stop at the witching hour of 3:07 AM. Over breakfast the next day, Roger expresses his gratitude towards Ed, while Ed reveals the toll that each exorcism takes on Lorraine.
However, when darkness descends once more, horrific events unfold as Cindy once again sleepwalks. The thermal cameras capture a sharp temperature drop surrounding her as she ventures into the wardrobe. Suddenly, the door slams shut. When they manage to breach the door, a secret passage is revealed, leading to the cellar where Lorraine encounters the tormented spirits Bathsheba has claimed. It becomes alarmingly clear that Bathsheba’s dark intention is to possess mothers in order to kill their children.
With no time to lose, Ed and Lorraine seek out Father Gordan to facilitate an exorcism while the Perron family seeks refuge in a nearby hotel. Their brief respite is cut short when Carolyn drives back to the house with two of her daughters. Ed and Lorraine quickly arrive to find Roger and the police officer struggling to control Carolyn, who is in a trance, desperately trying to harm one of her daughters. Ed insists upon calling for the priest, only to be reminded that he is too distant to arrive in time, compelling Ed to conduct the exorcism himself.
As the others hold the constrained Carolyn down during the vital ritual, a moment of calm suggests that they may have succeeded. But this peace swiftly shatters as her chair flips and Carolyn levitates upside down. Ed boldly commands the demon to release her, and after a life-threatening standoff, Carolyn falls helplessly to the ground. In a frantic moment, she chokes out, “She’s already gone.”
Meanwhile, Drew discovers April hiding beneath the kitchen’s floorboards, inadvertently triggering Carolyn’s possession once more as she races upstairs. The entity forces Carolyn to pursue April, intent on completing the horrific sacrifice. Ed, Lorraine, and Roger urgently follow, arriving just in time to confront the possessed Carolyn. In a desperate attempt, Lorraine reaches down, grasping Carolyn’s head, urging her to remember the profound value of her family and the irreversible consequences of her actions.
Slightly touched by Lorraine’s plea, Carolyn’s demeanor changes; her face softens, and she eventually places April down, the grip of evil seemingly loosening. The scene then shifts to a now bright and hopeful morning, as Carolyn emerges into the sunlight, her bruises visibly fading, and she is joyfully united with her family.
With the demon finally exorcised from the Perron home, Ed and Lorraine return to their own residence. As Ed steps into his room filled with possessed objects and artifacts, he places the ominous music box from the farmhouse onto a shelf. Lorraine joins him, and they exit together, leaving the music box momentarily silent. However, as the camera lingers, the music box ominously springs to life, filling the air with its haunting melody. The camera gradually zooms in on its reflective surface, and as the eerie tune concludes, the screen fades to black, ushering in the credits.
Track the key events of The Conjuring (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Perron Family Moves In
In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron relocate to a dilapidated farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island, accompanied by their five daughters. Soon after they settle in, they notice their dog refusing to enter the house, foreshadowing the strange occurrences that are to follow.
Unsettling Discoveries
On their first night, while the children play a game of hide-and-clap, one daughter finds a boarded-up entrance to the cellar. Despite Roger's brief inspection, tension builds as Carolyn is unable to shake her unease with the dog barking outside and her daughter experiencing a disturbing sensation.
Tragic Loss
The following morning, Carolyn is shocked to discover a mysterious bruise on her body, and the family faces the heart-wrenching loss of their dog, Sadie. This tragic event marks the beginning of increasingly strange and terrifying disturbances in their home.
First Signs of Disturbance
Bizarre paranormal events escalate, with doors creaking open and closed, as well as Carolyn hearing ghostly clapping sounds. Their younger daughter Cindy sleepwalks into her sister's room, leading to alarming incidents that emphasize the house's dark presence.
Encounter with the Evil Spirit
The family's nightmares deepen when an evil spirit, appearing as an elderly woman, assaults the eldest daughter. This encounter amplifies Carolyn's urgency to seek help, feeling the malevolence within their new home.
Seeking Help from the Warrens
Desperate, Carolyn turns to renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Lorraine makes a grim assessment, sensing a malevolent spirit, leading the Warrens to suggest that an exorcism might be necessary after gathering more evidence.
Uncovering the Haunting History
As the Warrens investigate, they stumble upon the sinister history of Bathsheba, an accused witch who cursed the land. The revelation of murders and suicides tied to the farmhouse compels the Warrens to take further action against the evil spirit.
Setting Up for the Investigation
Ed and Lorraine enlist the help of a police officer and another paranormal investigator, Drew, to monitor the house. They strategically install thermal cameras and alarms, seeking concrete evidence of the haunting.
Night of Terrifying Findings
During the first night of monitoring, little activity is observed, as the clocks do not stop at the witching hour of 3:07 AM. However, after breakfast, the gravity of the situation becomes clear to the family amid escalating incidents involving their daughter Cindy.
Desperate Ritual
As Carolyn succumbs to the evil presence, Ed realizes that Father Gordan won't arrive in time. He bravely takes it upon himself to conduct the exorcism, leading to a furious confrontation between the Warrens and the demonic force controlling Carolyn.
The Climax of the Exorcism
During the exorcism, Carolyn levitates, and a tense battle ensues as Ed commands the demon to release her. The moment shifts dramatically as Carolyn chokes out, 'She's already gone,' indicating the overwhelming grasp of the spirit.
A Mother's Struggle
As the battle continues, Drew finds April hiding in the kitchen, inadvertently triggering Carolyn's possession once more. The haunting spirit drives Carolyn to threaten her daughter, but the Warrens race against time to intervene before it’s too late.
Breaking the Possession
In a moment of desperation, Lorraine reaches out to Carolyn, urging her to remember her family. Touched by Lorraine's words, Carolyn's demeanor starts to shift as she finds the strength to release herself from the grip of evil, saving April.
Calm After the Storm
Following the successful exorcism, Carolyn emerges into the sunlight, her physical wounds fading alongside her traumatic experience. The Perron family is finally reunited, symbolizing hope and healing after the tumultuous ordeal.
An Ominous Conclusion
The Warrens return home, but as Ed places the ominous music box from the farmhouse on their shelf, a chilling moment ensues. The music box springs to life, signifying that the terror may not be entirely vanquished, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of dread.
Meet the characters that bring The Conjuring (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor)
Carolyn is a devoted mother struggling against the dark forces threatening her family. Her journey from unease to possession and ultimately finding strength highlights her deep love and resilience. Although she initially feels powerless, her character arc demonstrates courage in the face of unimaginable horror.
Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson)
Ed Warren is a passionate paranormal investigator who approaches the haunting with a mix of skepticism and belief. His protective nature towards the Perron family shines through as he confronts the dark entity. Ed's character embodies bravery and determination to safeguard those suffering from supernatural threats.
Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga)
Lorraine Warren, a gifted clairvoyant, plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the haunting. Her empathetic connection to spirits positions her as a voice of reason and guidance. Lorraine's character highlights the emotional toll that such encounters take on her, showcasing her dedication to preserving the living against malevolent forces.
Roger Perron (Ron Livingston)
Roger Perron is the supportive father tasked with protecting his family during their traumatic experiences. His pragmatic approach often buttresses the emotional turmoil within the household. Roger displays a strong sense of responsibility, navigating the challenges brought upon them while seeking help from the Warrens.
Uncover the settings of The Conjuring (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1971
The early 1970s were marked by a growing interest in psychological horror and supernatural themes in film and literature. It was a period characterized by social upheaval and an increased fascination with paranormal investigations, as people sought to understand and make sense of the unknown. The cultural climate of the time set the stage for stories of haunting and the occult to resonate with audiences.
Location
Harrisville, Rhode Island
Harrisville, Rhode Island, is a small town known for its quiet, rural charm and historic significance. The old farmhouse inhabited by the Perron family is not just a residence but a focal point of dark supernatural occurrences. It is a site of legends and chilling tales, drawing attention from those fascinated by the paranormal.
Explore the core themes of The Conjuring (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Possession
The theme of possession is central to the film, manifesting in Carolyn's harrowing experience as she becomes overtaken by the spirit of Bathsheba. This theme explores the fragility of human will and the terrifying power of malevolent forces. The struggle to reclaim one's identity from an insidious entity highlights the importance of family and personal strength.
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Investigative Courage
Ed and Lorraine Warren embody the theme of investigative courage as they delve into the haunting's mystery without hesitation. Their commitment to helping the Perron family showcases the lengths one can go to confront darkness. The Warrens represent the pursuit of truth amidst supernatural chaos, emphasizing human bravery in the face of fear.
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Family Bonds
Family bonds are tested throughout the film, particularly as the Perron family endures unthinkable horrors. The love and dedication among the family members serve as their strongest defense against the evil they face. The eventual reunion and healing signify the restoration of harmony, underscoring the significance of familial ties in overcoming adversity.
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