“The Conjuring” is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, released in 2013. The film is set in the early 1970s and follows the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, a devoutly Catholic couple who are among the first to explore the controversial field of demonology and the supernatural. The film draws heavily on the purportedly true experiences of the Perron family, who encountered disturbing paranormal activity in their farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island.

As the film opens, we are introduced to the Perron family: Roger, his wife Carolyn, and their five daughters, who are moving into a dilapidated farmhouse that they have recently purchased. The family is optimistic about their new life despite the rundown condition of their home. However, it isn’t long before strange events begin to unfold. The family’s dog refuses to enter the house and is later found dead under mysterious circumstances. The clocks in the house consistently stop at precisely 3:07 AM, and there are frequent knocks and claps heard throughout the house, with no discernible source. The daughters also start experiencing terrifying visions and physical attacks from unseen entities.

Carolyn, growing increasingly desperate and concerned for her family’s safety, attends a lecture by Ed and Lorraine Warren and decides to reach out to them for help. The Warrens, known for their involvement in various psychic and demonic cases, including the famous Amityville haunting, agree to take a look at the Perron home.

Upon their arrival, Lorraine, who is a clairvoyant, immediately senses a dark presence in the house. She and Ed conduct an initial investigation, during which Lorraine encounters spirits, including that of a woman whom she sees hanging from a tree in the backyard – a premonition that proves significant as the story unfolds. Convinced that the house requires a more thorough investigation, the Warrens decide to move in temporarily, setting up cameras and bells to catch any paranormal activity.

As Ed and Lorraine dig deeper into the history of the house, they uncover a series of tragic events. The property was once owned by a witch, Bathsheba Sherman, who sacrificed her week-old baby to the devil and cursed anyone who would take her land. She hanged herself at 3:07 AM — the same time the clocks stop in the house. The Warrens conclude that Bathsheba’s spirit is the malevolent force haunting the Perron family, seeking to possess Carolyn and make her kill her children, as she did.

The supernatural occurrences escalate, and Bathsheba’s influence over Carolyn grows stronger, culminating in a chilling scene where she is fully possessed. Lorraine’s ability allows her to witness the moment Bathsheba cursed the land, and she realizes that to stop the haunting, they must perform an exorcism. However, Ed is not a priest, and they do not have time to wait for official sanction from the Catholic Church.

In a race against time, as Carolyn, under the influence of Bathsheba, tries to stab one of her daughters, Ed decides to perform the exorcism himself. In a tense and harrowing sequence set in the house’s basement, Ed struggles to complete the rite while Lorraine, using her spiritual connection, reaches out to the real Carolyn, urging her to fight back for the sake of her family.

In a dramatic turn, just as Carolyn is about to succumb to Bathsheba, Lorraine manages to evoke a memory of a day at the beach with her family, reminding Carolyn of her maternal love. This moment weakens Bathsheba’s hold enough for Ed to finally banish the spirit back to hell.

The movie ends with the Warrens having successfully cleansed the house, and the Perron family finally able to enjoy a peaceful life in their home. In a final scene, Ed and Lorraine receive a call about a case in Long Island, hinting at their next famous investigation – the Amityville Horror.

“The Conjuring” effectively combines elements of classic haunted house films with the real-life intrigue surrounding the Warrens. It uses a combination of tension-building, scares, and a strong emotional core in its storytelling, making it a standout film in the horror genre. Its success spawned a franchise, including sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its place in the landscape of supernatural horror.