“The Conjuring,” directed by James Wan and written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes, is a 2013 American supernatural horror film and the first installment in the Conjuring Universe franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga star as Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators and authors linked to several notable hauntings, including the inspiration for The Amityville Horror story and film series. The film follows the Warrens as they aid the Perron family, who are terrorized by increasingly disturbing events in their Rhode Island farmhouse in 1971.
Development began in January 2012, with reports confirming James Wan as the director of a project initially titled “The Warren Files,” later renamed “The Conjuring.” The film focuses on the real-life experiences of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga were cast in the lead roles, marking Wilson’s second collaboration with Wan.
Filming started in Wilmington, North Carolina, in February 2012, with scenes shot in chronological order.
Released on July 19, 2013, by Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, “The Conjuring” received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, screenplay, atmosphere, and musical score. It grossed over $319 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. The success of the film led to a sequel, “The Conjuring 2,” released on June 10, 2016.