Chances are, if you’ve been interested in horror or the paranormal in any way, you’ve come in contact with the work of so-called spiritual warriors Ed and Lorraine Warren. Starting with this week’s film, The Conjuring, the past decade and a half has been bloated with films based on their prolific work in demonology. The Conjuring could be a compelling tale of a family plagued by demonic spirits and the Warrens’ attempts to save them. Here’s the problem: Ed and Lorraine Warren are a load of crock.
It’s really a shame, because this movie does have its share of awesome scares. The building dread, the chaos of late-night hauntings, all of it should lead to a compelling haunted house story. But to frame an Ed and Lorraine Warren story, one must choose whether they’re going to address the truth of their so-called paranormal exploits or simply buy in to the Warrens’ accounts, no questions asked. Maybe in the 70s when the bulk of this film takes place, it would be understandable that one would be compelled by their vivid tales of haunted dolls, demon possession, or other inhuman spirits. But 40 years later we were better informed on the couple’s fraudulent practices and Ed Warren’s history of physical and sexual abuse – enough so that Lorraine had it written into her film contract that none of his sexual exploits be written into any part of the film franchise.
Meanwhile, the story of The Conjuring lives firmly in the misogynist narrative of Ed Warren and the other so-called God Warriors that came before him. After all, this movie also dabbles in the Salem Witch Trial story. You know, the one where nineteen women were executed over children’s accusations of witchcraft? The one in which the accusers (all 9-17 years old) later admitted to fabricating their stories? It’s been actual centuries since we understood the Salem Witch Trials to be a dangerous lapse of due process within an extreme religious community. I guess, in a way, that makes it a perfect subject for an Ed Warren story. A mystery was approached with preconceived notions of cause, the cause was determined to be the devil, and women were already considered more prone to the influence of the devil than men.
So yeah. I love a good haunted house story. I love the hand clap game and Bathsheba on top of the wardrobe. But as I’ve said in earlier posts, I hate an exorcism story. There have been too many real-life casualties to this kind of mentality, and too often those casualties have been women or vulnerable people unable to advocate for themselves. Consider something like The Wailing, Exhuma, or The Blackcoat’s Daughter if you’re looking for an exorcism story that isn’t pure propaganda.
What’s your favorite “demon house” or “demon doll”? What are your exorcism pet peeves? Are you able to accept the Conjuring as it is or does it incite righteous rage in your soul? I’d love to know your thoughts!
Until next time, Dear Reader, the horrors may persist, but when the music stops, you’ll see him in the mirror standing behind you.
The Horrors Persist 
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