“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (2021), directed by Michael Chaves, is the third installment in The Conjuring franchise, once again following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they delve into a real-life case of demonic possession. While the film continues the franchise’s tradition of blending supernatural horror with real-life events, it takes a different approach by shifting away from the typical haunted house setting and delving into a legal drama centered around the first U.S. court case involving demonic possession as a defense.

Plot Overview:

The story is based on the infamous 1981 trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who was accused of murdering his landlord but claimed that he was under the influence of a demonic entity at the time of the crime. The film opens with the Warrens witnessing the exorcism of young David Glatzel, during which the demon transfers itself from David to Arne. Shortly after, Arne commits a violent murder, and the Warrens are called upon to prove that Arne was possessed.

As Ed and Lorraine investigate the case, they uncover a dark and sinister plot involving a Satanic curse. Their journey takes them through occult rituals, haunted locations, and dangerous confrontations with demonic forces. Throughout the investigation, Ed’s health is compromised, which adds an extra layer of tension to their mission as Lorraine takes on a more active role in unraveling the mystery. Together, they must face a malevolent occultist responsible for the curse and protect Arne from a devastating fate.

What Works:

• Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson: As with the previous Conjuring films, Farmiga and Wilson’s portrayal of the Warrens remains the heart of the franchise. Their chemistry is strong, and their performances bring emotional weight and sincerity to the story. Lorraine’s psychic abilities and Ed’s devotion to her create a dynamic that keeps audiences invested in their journey, especially in this film, where Ed’s health issues increase the stakes.
• New Approach to the Story: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a bold step away from the traditional haunted house setting of the previous films, introducing elements of a legal drama mixed with supernatural horror. The inclusion of a murder trial and the exploration of a Satanic curse offer a fresh perspective within the franchise, keeping the plot engaging and preventing it from feeling like a rehash of the first two films.
• Creepy Atmosphere and Set Pieces: The film excels in building atmosphere, with several standout scenes that offer effective scares. The opening exorcism scene is intense and sets the tone for the rest of the film. Additionally, the film’s exploration of the occult and its eerie environments—particularly a visit to the occultist’s lair—adds a sinister, unsettling tone that permeates the narrative.
• The Occultist Villain: The film’s antagonist, a mysterious occultist, is a new and unique threat for the Warrens. Unlike the passive spirits or demons they typically face, the occultist is actively orchestrating the events that unfold. This human villain, who uses dark magic and curses, adds a new layer of danger and unpredictability.

What Could Be Better:

• Less Scary Than Previous Entries: While The Devil Made Me Do It has its fair share of unsettling moments, it doesn’t reach the same level of consistent terror as The Conjuring (2013) or The Conjuring 2 (2016). The film’s shift towards a legal and investigative thriller leaves less room for the slow-burn scares that defined its predecessors. Some fans of the franchise may find the horror element to be less prominent.
• Pacing Issues: The film’s pacing is uneven at times. While the investigative portions of the story are intriguing, they occasionally slow the momentum, especially when compared to the more action-packed sequences. The middle portion of the film, in particular, can feel like it drags as the Warrens search for clues.
• Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: While Arne’s case is central to the plot, his character and the people surrounding him, including his girlfriend Debbie, don’t receive as much development as they could have. As a result, their emotional stakes in the story feel somewhat underplayed, especially considering the dramatic legal implications.

Conclusion:

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a solid addition to the Conjuring franchise that offers a different take on its usual formula by blending supernatural horror with a legal thriller. While it may not be as terrifying as its predecessors, the film’s strong performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, along with its fresh narrative direction, keep it engaging and suspenseful.

For fans of the series, this installment provides an intriguing new case for the Warrens and adds to the expanding lore of the Conjuring universe. Although it may not deliver the same level of scares, it compensates with atmosphere, occult intrigue, and emotional stakes.