The Conjuring
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.
Despite its tight budget of $13.0M, The Conjuring became a box office phenomenon, earning $321.3M worldwide—a remarkable 2371% return. The film's compelling narrative found its audience, proving that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
15 wins & 22 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Conjuring (2013) exemplifies carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of James Wan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 52 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ed and Lorraine Warren interview nurses Debbie and Camilla about the possessed Annabelle doll, establishing the Warrens as experienced paranormal investigators in their normal world of case work.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Carolyn Perron discovers their dog Sadie dead outside the house, refusing to enter. Strange events begin escalating - clocks stop at 3:07 AM, unexplained bruises appear, and the family experiences increasingly disturbing phenomena.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The Warrens arrive at the Perron farmhouse and agree to investigate. Ed declares they'll stay and help the family, crossing the threshold into active engagement with this particular case despite the risks., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat During a séance to communicate with the spirits, Lorraine is violently attacked and has a terrifying vision of Bathsheba's possession of Carolyn, seeing that Bathsheba wants Carolyn to kill her children. The stakes become life-or-death clear., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Carolyn, fully possessed by Bathsheba, escapes with April to the cellar with intent to kill her. The family is scattered, communication with the Church has failed, and the Warrens have no official authorization to perform an exorcism. All seems lost., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ed performs the exorcism while Lorraine reaches Carolyn through memories of her daughters. The combined power of faith, ritual, and maternal love breaks Bathsheba's hold. The demon is cast out, the family is saved, and the curse is broken., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Conjuring's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Conjuring against these established plot points, we can identify how James Wan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Conjuring within the horror genre.
James Wan's Structural Approach
Among the 10 James Wan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Conjuring takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete James Wan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more James Wan analyses, see Furious 7, Dead Silence and Death Sentence.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ed and Lorraine Warren interview nurses Debbie and Camilla about the possessed Annabelle doll, establishing the Warrens as experienced paranormal investigators in their normal world of case work.
Theme
During their lecture, a student asks if the Warrens aren't afraid of being harmed by demonic forces. Ed responds: "The devil exists. The question is, do you believe it?" - establishing the film's thematic core about faith versus skepticism.
Worldbuilding
The Warrens conduct lectures and investigations while the Perron family moves into their new Rhode Island farmhouse. We see the Warrens' relationship, their work, and establish the Perron family dynamic with their five daughters.
Disruption
Carolyn Perron discovers their dog Sadie dead outside the house, refusing to enter. Strange events begin escalating - clocks stop at 3:07 AM, unexplained bruises appear, and the family experiences increasingly disturbing phenomena.
Resistance
Paranormal activity intensifies in the Perron home. Carolyn resists seeking help, trying to rationalize the events. Eventually, after multiple terrifying encounters, she reaches out to the Warrens who initially resist taking another case due to Lorraine's fragile state.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The Warrens arrive at the Perron farmhouse and agree to investigate. Ed declares they'll stay and help the family, crossing the threshold into active engagement with this particular case despite the risks.
Mirror World
Lorraine and Carolyn bond over their roles as mothers and protectors of their families. This relationship becomes the emotional core, with Lorraine serving as both investigator and spiritual guide to Carolyn.
Premise
The investigation unfolds with the full promise of a paranormal thriller - cameras set up, history researched, séances conducted. The Warrens discover the house's dark past involving Bathsheba, a witch who sacrificed her child and cursed all who inhabit the land.
Midpoint
During a séance to communicate with the spirits, Lorraine is violently attacked and has a terrifying vision of Bathsheba's possession of Carolyn, seeing that Bathsheba wants Carolyn to kill her children. The stakes become life-or-death clear.
Opposition
The malevolent force intensifies attacks on the family. Ed and Lorraine race to gather evidence for the Church to authorize an exorcism, but Bathsheba's spirit grows stronger, targeting the children and possessing Carolyn more deeply.
Collapse
Carolyn, fully possessed by Bathsheba, escapes with April to the cellar with intent to kill her. The family is scattered, communication with the Church has failed, and the Warrens have no official authorization to perform an exorcism. All seems lost.
Crisis
Ed makes the agonizing decision to perform an unauthorized exorcism, risking his soul and reputation. The team struggles to restrain possessed Carolyn while protecting April. Lorraine battles her own fear, knowing what this could cost them spiritually.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Ed performs the exorcism while Lorraine reaches Carolyn through memories of her daughters. The combined power of faith, ritual, and maternal love breaks Bathsheba's hold. The demon is cast out, the family is saved, and the curse is broken.