I’ve often wondered why The Conjuring Universe has more spin-offs than direct sequels, considering that *The Conjuring* and *The Conjuring 2* are easily the strongest films in the horror series. While *The Nun* holds the box office record as the most financially successful movie in the franchise, it's also been widely criticized by both reviewers and audiences. The promotional campaign created high expectations, but it’s still surprising that another *Conjuring* film didn’t arrive sooner given how profitable the previous movies were. Without James Wan directing and without a writing credit to his name, my hopes weren’t particularly high. Wan is crucial to what makes *The Conjuring* films work so well; he creates intense suspense and a genuinely frightening atmosphere, making him one of the best horror directors in recent years. Replacing him was always going to be a significant challenge. Michael Chaves previously directed *The Curse of La Llorona*, which felt generic and lacked any real surprises, though I did think the horror sequences were somewhat effective. So, I went into *The Devil Made Me Do It* with some optimism. It’s certainly the weakest film in the trilogy, but it's still a cut above the poorly received *Annabelle Comes Home* or the disappointing origin story of *The Nun*. Like all the main films, this one has impressive production values; it’s arguably the best-looking installment so far. The horror sequences are striking on screen, and the sound design remains impactful as always. It's worth remembering that this franchise operates on a relatively modest budget compared to other major studio franchises. Practical effects are prioritized whenever possible, minimizing the use of CGI. The acting is another area where these films excel. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga share a strong connection that elevates their characters’ emotional depth. At its heart, *The Conjuring* series is about the love story between Ed and Lorraine Warren; their believable and loving relationship keeps viewers invested even when the “true story” elements seem far-fetched. Both actors deliver excellent performances, as does John Noble (known for his roles in *The Lord of the Rings* and *Fringe*) as a former priest. I was pleasantly surprised to see Noble on screen again; he’s absolutely phenomenal, as expected, and quite unsettling in his role. Everyone else performs adequately, but there aren't any other performances that particularly stood out. Unfortunately, my praise has to end somewhere. The central story behind the case that gives the film its title isn't nearly as compelling as the narratives told in previous *Conjuring* movies. The case itself doesn’t offer much substance, so a lot of the movie involves the Warrens investigating clues. Eventually, those clues connect to the main plot, but overall, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick’s script lacks real spark. Despite the predictable scares and familiar horror tropes, there's an unexpected twist in the "demon possession" formula that defines the franchise. The biggest disappointment is something I feared would happen without James Wan at the helm: the terrifying, suspenseful atmosphere characteristic of *The Conjuring* films has been replaced by generic build-up more typical of lesser horror movies. Due to a character’s health issue, tension remains high for that individual, but most of the movie lacks the essential feeling of dread. The jump scares feel lazy and obvious—a cliché that *The Conjuring* films previously avoided. Additionally, the film is noticeably darker than its predecessors in terms of lighting. I have mixed feelings about the ending. Without giving anything away, it’s reminiscent of *A Quiet Place Part II*, requiring two separate scenes to be seamlessly edited together to maintain tension and clarity. One of these scenes feels shaky, repetitive, and overly dark, which was a bit disappointing. However, Peter Gvozdas and Christian Wagner's editing is generally quite good. Michael Burgess' cinematography features some beautiful shots, and Joseph Bishara’s score maintains the franchise’s ominous tone. James Wan is certainly missed, but Michael Chaves didn't do a terrible job. *The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It* is without question the weakest entry in the trilogy, though it remains far from the worst films in the horror franchise. Like all previous installments, it features impressive production values and outstanding performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the only truly emotionally resonant characters. Every aspect of this film falls short compared to its predecessors. From the less frightening atmosphere to the uninspired jump scares, Michael Chaves hasn't been able to replicate James Wan’s remarkable ability to create suspense and tension, despite a strong opening sequence. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick’s script focuses on numerous subplots loosely connected to the main story, resulting in a narrative that doesn’t quite justify the title. Certain technical elements—particularly the editing, cinematography, and sound design—do offer some entertainment value. I still recommend it to fans of the cinematic universe and horror enthusiasts. Rating: B-

Source on TMDB