Post by : Raman

The Conjuring franchise is one of the most famous horror film series in the world. Known for its frightening scenes, suspenseful storytelling, and thrilling paranormal investigations, it has captivated millions of moviegoers worldwide. The newest movie in the franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites, continues this tradition, focusing on one of the most talked-about real-life haunting cases in the United States—the Smurl family case from Pennsylvania.

The Smurl family’s story took place in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, during the 1980s. Jack and Janet Smurl lived in a house with their four daughters and Jack’s parents. The family claimed that strange and frightening events occurred in their home over several years. They said they heard loud, disturbing noises, smelled foul odors, and saw objects move on their own. Some of the incidents were more serious, such as family members being physically attacked and even the family dog being thrown around the house. These events made headlines and drew national attention, attracting journalists, curious neighbors, and paranormal investigators.

Ed and Lorraine Warren, a husband-and-wife team famous for investigating supernatural events, were among those who came to help the family. They had founded the New England Society for Psychic Research and were involved in more than 10,000 paranormal cases over decades. Ed Warren was a self-taught demonologist, while Lorraine Warren was a clairvoyant who claimed to see spirits and communicate with the supernatural. The Warrens had already gained fame by investigating other haunted locations, and their work would later inspire the Conjuring film series.

In the films, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga portray Ed and Lorraine Warren. These movies depict the Warrens as brave and knowledgeable investigators who face terrifying spirits and evil demons to save families. The Conjuring: Last Rites focuses on the Smurl family’s home, portraying dramatic events, supernatural attacks, and a mysterious demonic mirror. The movie adds intense suspense, emotional storylines, and fictional characters to make the story more exciting and cinematic.

However, it is important to understand that many details in the movie are dramatized and not part of the real-life case. The story of the demonic mirror, for example, is a fictional element created to heighten tension in the movie. In reality, no such mirror existed, and many of the supernatural events reported by the Smurls were likely influenced by other factors, including medical and psychological conditions.

Experts at the time of the Smurl case, including Paul Kurtz, a philosophy professor and prominent skeptic, suggested that the haunting might not be real. Kurtz argued that Jack Smurl’s health history could explain some of the events. Jack had surgery in 1983 to remove water from his brain, and he had previously suffered from meningitis. These conditions could have affected his memory, perception, and behavior, possibly contributing to the strange experiences in the house. Kurtz described the Smurl haunting as “a hoax, a charade, a ghost story,” questioning the credibility of the Warrens’ claims and emphasizing that no scientific evidence supported the presence of demons or spirits in the home.

The Smurl family case also raised questions about mental health, family stress, and media influence. With journalists constantly visiting their home and national attention focused on them, the family was under tremendous pressure. Some experts believe that the intense stress, combined with Jack’s health problems, may have caused the family to perceive ordinary events as supernatural.

In the film, the story is heavily dramatized. Judy Warren, the daughter of Ed and Lorraine Warren, is shown as a central character who helps defeat the evil forces in the house. In reality, Judy was sent to live with her grandparents while her parents conducted the investigation. The movie’s plotline involving the demonic mirror, near-death incidents, and climactic battles with spirits is entirely fictional. These elements were added to create a more thrilling, emotional, and visually engaging story for the audience.

The Conjuring franchise has been careful to balance real-life inspiration with creative storytelling. While the movies often include true events and characters, filmmakers use dramatic license to enhance the suspense and horror. The franchise has been praised for attention to period details, accurate costume design, and strong performances, particularly by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. These actors bring the Warrens’ personalities and determination to life, showing them as committed investigators who help families in need.

The popularity of the franchise shows how stories about paranormal investigation can capture the public imagination. Since its first movie in 2013, the Conjuring series, along with spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun, has earned over $2.4 billion worldwide. This makes it the highest-grossing horror series in history. The films’ mix of real-life inspiration, horror, and family drama has resonated with viewers of all ages.

Despite the commercial success, the films have sparked debate about the truth behind the stories. Skeptics argue that the movies present the Warrens’ accounts as fact, when in reality, many cases, including the Smurl family, were contested by scientists, journalists, and other investigators. The public is encouraged to enjoy the films as works of entertainment rather than historical records of paranormal events.

The Smurl family’s real-life ordeal continued after the events in their home. By August 1986, the family had grown tired of the media attention and asked reporters to leave. Yet by December of the same year, they and the Warrens returned to the public eye when a book titled The Haunting was published. This book shared the family’s story and helped cement the Warrens’ reputation in paranormal research.

The Warrens’ work and the films based on their cases also highlight how fear and curiosity about the supernatural remain strong in human culture. People are fascinated by ghosts, demons, and haunted houses because these stories touch on universal themes—fear, courage, the unknown, and the struggle between good and evil. The Conjuring franchise takes these themes and turns them into visual stories that entertain and engage audiences.

In addition to horror and suspense, the movies also explore family dynamics. Last Rites emphasizes Judy Warren’s bravery, loyalty, and compassion. These elements bring a human dimension to the story, reminding viewers that courage, love, and support are essential when facing challenges, whether real or imagined. This focus on family values and human emotion helps the films connect with audiences on more than just a superficial level.

Today, the legacy of the Warrens continues. Judy Warren and her husband, Tony Spera, manage the New England Society for Psychic Research and educate people about paranormal investigation. Their work preserves the history of the Warrens’ cases while encouraging critical thinking about supernatural claims.

The Conjuring: Last Rites offers a gripping horror experience that blends real-life inspiration with dramatic storytelling. The Smurl family’s alleged haunting, Ed and Lorraine Warren’s investigation, and the creative additions in the movie provide audiences with both thrills and a glimpse into historical paranormal research. While the films dramatize and sometimes exaggerate events, they also celebrate bravery, determination, and the human fascination with the unknown.

For viewers, the key takeaway is to enjoy the movie as a blend of reality and imagination. The Smurl case may never be fully explained, but it continues to inspire discussions about the supernatural, human psychology, and storytelling. The Conjuring franchise demonstrates how horror movies can entertain, educate, and provoke thought, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats while exploring the mysteries of the unseen world.

The Smurl family’s story, the Warrens’ investigations, and the films based on them show how history, belief, and creative storytelling can come together to create lasting cultural impact. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the Conjuring series remains a fascinating study of fear, imagination, and human courage in the face of the unknown.

The Conjuring, Last Rites, Smurl Family, Ed and Lorraine Warren, Horror Movies, Paranormal Investigation