The Conjuring - The Devil Made Me Do It: A Review and Analysis

The latest installment in the popular Conjuring series, The Devil Made Me Do It, has sparked a range of reactions from fans and critics alike. In this article, we delve into the spectrum of opinions surrounding this film, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the series.

Expert Opinions and Observations

One of the questions often raised about The Conjuring franchise is whether the third movie in a series can live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. Many agree that the first two movies (The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2) were exceptional, but subsequent films in the series, such as Annabelle and In a Dark Place, have not met the same level of acclaim. The Devil Made Me Do It film, however, seems to be a different story.

Opinion 1:

"Yes, I enjoyed it and I was not surprised. Usually, when it comes to franchises like Paranormal Activity or The Conjuring, the third movie often disappoints. The plot in the third installments often overshot and became boring due to lack of coherent storyline or engaging antagonists. However, the approach taken with The Devil Made Me Do It was refreshing, and it holds my attention better than most third films in the series. While it's possible that the director's replacement might have impacted the plot, the overall execution of the film was commendable."

Unique Plot and Storyline

A common critique of recent films in the series is their reliance on familiar storylines and characters that have been overused. Some viewers felt that The Devil Made Me Do It failed to break new ground, especially in its depiction of Arne Johnson's story. One critic offered this opinion:

Opinion 2:

"And I think the film could have explored Arne Johnson and David the kid, the entity that previously inhabited him, more thoroughly. Instead, the narrative centered a lot on the paranormal activities, which could have been more compelling with a deeper dive into the psychological aspects of the characters."

Plot Holes and Suspense

Another significant point of contention was the film's narrative coherence, particularly regarding the motivations of key characters. Many felt that the film fell short in explaining crucial plot points, such as the motivations of the Occultist and Jessica Strong:

Opinion 3:

"My only gripe is what exactly motivated The Occultist to curse Jessica Strong, David Glatzel, and Ed Warren. Why would she go through so much effort to summon demons and risk endangering her own existence? What was worth so much risk? She was trying to accomplish something, but the film doesn't adequately say what it was."

Overall Impression and Future Prospects

The overall impression of The Conjuring - The Devil Made Me Do It varies widely. Some found it disappointing, while others saw it as a significant improvement. The film's ranking among the series is still under debate, but there is no denying that it has added another layer to the rich history of the franchise:

Opinion 4:

"No, I did not enjoy The Devil Made Me Do It. It was boring. While Vera Farmiga undoubtedly brings her A-game, the dialogue and pacing were subpar. The twist about the cause of these possessions felt inorganic, and the connections drawn between the cases were tenuous. The film's attempts at psychological suspense often fell flat, and the lack of a strong conclusion left something to be desired.

Conclusion

As the Conjuring universe continues to expand, it is crucial for the franchise to maintain a balance between familiarity and innovation. While The Devil Made Me Do It has its merits, it also highlights the need for more depth and nuance in storytelling. The success of this film will no doubt influence future entries in the series and set the tone for future cinematic experiences in the supernatural genre.