First debuting in 2013,The Conjuringhas quickly become one of the mosticonic horror franchisesof the decade. The movies follow the real-lifeparanormal investigations of Ed and LorraineWarren, a pair of demonologists whose work has been the subject of numerous books, television shows, and films.
The Conjuringstarted as the story of a haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island and grew into a series of spinoffs, prequels, and sequels, includingThe NunandAnnabelle.Annabelle Comes Homeis the third installment in theAnnabelleseries (seventh inThe Conjuringfranchise) and sees the Warrens take the possessed doll to their own home in an attempt to contain the evil entity.
Annabelle Comes Homebuilds off the storyline ofAnnabelleandAnnabelle: Creation, diving into the Warrens’ personal lives and the artifacts they’ve collected over the years. Viewers are introduced to their daughter Judy (played by McKenna Grace) and learn that the Annabelle doll is just a part of the greater evil lurking in the Warrens’ home.
Though met with somewhat mixed reviews,Annabelle Comes Homestands out from other entries in the series. Writer and director Gary Dauberman develops tension from the beginning and taps into the primal fear of being a child and having your home taken over by evil. Overall,The Conjuringuniverse movies may not be for everyone, but the films have grossed over $2 billion worldwide and continue to draw large audiences. Let’s look at whyAnnabelle Comes Homeis a scary high point of all the Conjuring sequels.
Effective Use of Pacing and Suspense
AllThe Conjuringmovies are known for drawn-out scenes of suspense, dark atmospheres, and jump scares.Annabelle Comes Hometakes this to the next level, capitalizing on slow-burn pacing and intense scenes. The tension is expertly crafted, with Dauberman cleverly using sound design, camera angles, and an incredible soundtrack to create a truly frightening experience.
Where the plot lacks depth, it’s made up for in the skillfully crafted suspense. There are some scenes where nothing happens, but the fear and anxiety of what might happen keeps viewers on edge. Dauberman toys with the audience and keeps them guessing, generating anticipation throughout the entire film.
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Though only a co-writer and producer, there is a heavy nod to James Wan’s signature style inAnnabelle Comes Home. Fromthe use of jump scares(which are well-timed and not overdone) to outstanding cinematography, the movie is filled with classic horror tropes and perfectly executed pacing.
McKenna Grace’s Performance Is Key
While theAnnabelle Comes Homecast is filled with talent, McKenna Grace stands out as Judy Warren. Her performance is key to the film, and her ability to carry the story withoutveteran actors Vera Farmigaand Patrick Wilson is impressive.
In the movie, Judy is a brave, relatable protagonist who confronts the evil surrounding her home with strength and determination. We learn more about her struggles as the Warren’s daughter, dealing with bullying and a lack of understanding from her peers. She finds friendship in Mary Ellen, her babysitter, and Mary Ellen’s friend Daniela. The three are the primary characters in the film and must deal with the repercussions of Daniela opening Annabelle’s case and unleashing the evil spirits.
Grace’s performance gives the audience an emotional connection to her character, allowing them to bond with Judy as she faces her fears. There is a heavy focus on traditional themes of good vs. evil and religion as a form of protection, with Judy providing an example of how taking back control of a situation can be empowering.
New Spirits and Monsters in The Conjuring Universe
Though Annabelle herself is a significant part of the film, she’s not the only entity wreaking havoc in the Warrens’ home. The introduction of new ghosts and evil spirits in this movie adds another layer to the Conjuring Universe.
The Ferryman, a creepy specter in an old suit with coins for eyes, The Bride, a murderous spirit in a wedding dress, and a vicious werewolf are just some of the new entities added to the mix. These additions help elevate the story, adding more depth and complexity to the plot.
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There is not only a potential for future movies to focus on these spirits but also a large opportunity to explore their individual histories and origins.Annabelle Comes Homewould not be as effective without the added intricacy and creatures.
Annabelle Comes Home Perfectly Connects the Universe with a Happy Ending
Annabelle Comes Homepicks up at the end of the opening scene ofThe Conjuring, where Ed and Lorraine take possession of the Annabelle doll. This also aligns with the plot ofAnnabelleandAnnabelle: Creation, making it part of a bigger, more interconnected story.
The movie does an excellent job of tying the entireConjuringuniverse together cohesively and effectively. It ties the original storyline in with the new spirits and characters and seamlessly ties in with other movies in the franchise. This high point of the films makes them all the more enjoyable and adds a new level to the well-known storyline. The ending of the film, the culmination of seven horror movies, is a surprisingly sweet conclusion to this sprawling franchise.
WhileAnnabelle Comes Homemay not suit every horror fan’s taste, it’s still an engaging and exciting addition toThe Conjuringseries. As the scary high point of the franchise, it ties together the previous movies and provides a thrilling story with excellent pacing. The addition of new spirits and top-notch performances makeAnnabelle Comes Homean overall enjoyable watch.
