The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren encounter what would become one of the most sensational cases from their files. The fight for the soul of a young boy takes them beyond anything they'd ever seen before, to mark the first time in U.S. history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a defense.
Despite a mid-range budget of $39.0M, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It became a box office success, earning $206.4M worldwide—a 429% return.
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: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) demonstrates carefully calibrated story structure, characteristic of Michael Chaves's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 51 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ed and Lorraine Warren arrive at the Glatzel house to perform an exorcism on young David, establishing their role as paranormal investigators confronting supernatural evil.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Arne Johnson invites the demon to possess him instead of David, crying out "Take me!" during the exorcism. The demon leaves David and enters Arne, disrupting the normal resolution of the case.. At 11% 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Ed and Lorraine Warren choose to help Arne by investigating the case and attempting to prove demonic possession as a legal defense, committing themselves to an unprecedented supernatural investigation with legal stakes., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Lorraine has a terrifying vision while investigating the tunnels beneath the Occultist's lair and is attacked by the demon. Ed saves her, but they realize the Occultist is a dangerous Satanist who has been cursing people, and they're in grave danger. The stakes escalate dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 83 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ed suffers a massive heart attack during a demonic assault at their home and nearly dies. Lorraine is devastated, believing she may lose him. Their mission seems impossible and the cost too high., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 89 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Lorraine identifies the Occultist's location and, despite the danger, chooses to confront her alone to save Arne and break the curse. Ed insists on joining her despite his condition. Together, they commit to the final confrontation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Chaves 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: The Devil Made Me Do It within the horror genre.
Michael Chaves's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Michael Chaves films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Michael Chaves filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more Michael Chaves analyses, see The Nun II, The Curse of La Llorona.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ed and Lorraine Warren arrive at the Glatzel house to perform an exorcism on young David, establishing their role as paranormal investigators confronting supernatural evil.
Theme
During the exorcism, Father Gordon warns that demonic possession can transfer, foreshadowing the central theme: the battle between love and evil, and whether love can overcome demonic forces.
Worldbuilding
The intense exorcism of David Glatzel is shown in full, establishing the Warrens' methods, their deep partnership, and the reality of demonic possession in this world. Arne Johnson's love for Debbie Glatzel and his protective nature are revealed.
Disruption
Arne Johnson invites the demon to possess him instead of David, crying out "Take me!" during the exorcism. The demon leaves David and enters Arne, disrupting the normal resolution of the case.
Resistance
Weeks pass and Arne seems fine, but the Warrens remain concerned. Arne brutally murders his landlord Bruno while possessed, is arrested, and charged with first-degree murder. The Warrens debate whether to take on the impossible challenge of proving demonic possession in court.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Ed and Lorraine Warren choose to help Arne by investigating the case and attempting to prove demonic possession as a legal defense, committing themselves to an unprecedented supernatural investigation with legal stakes.
Mirror World
The relationship between Ed and Lorraine is highlighted as they work together investigating the Glatzel house. Their partnership and unwavering faith in each other mirrors the love between Arne and Debbie that they're fighting to protect.
Premise
The Warrens investigate the origins of the curse, discovering a totem beneath the Glatzel house. They track down the Occultist, a former priest named Kastner, and uncover a satanic conspiracy involving human sacrifice. The investigation takes them deeper into dark occult territory.
Midpoint
Lorraine has a terrifying vision while investigating the tunnels beneath the Occultist's lair and is attacked by the demon. Ed saves her, but they realize the Occultist is a dangerous Satanist who has been cursing people, and they're in grave danger. The stakes escalate dramatically.
Opposition
The Occultist actively works against the Warrens, killing Kastner before they can get answers. The demonic attacks intensify. The Warrens discover the Occultist is a woman using an altar to control the demon, but she stays one step ahead, targeting those they love.
Collapse
Ed suffers a massive heart attack during a demonic assault at their home and nearly dies. Lorraine is devastated, believing she may lose him. Their mission seems impossible and the cost too high.
Crisis
Ed recovers in the hospital while Lorraine grapples with fear and doubt. She must decide whether to continue the dangerous investigation alone. She realizes the Occultist is using a connection to David and determines to end this by confronting the witch directly.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Lorraine identifies the Occultist's location and, despite the danger, chooses to confront her alone to save Arne and break the curse. Ed insists on joining her despite his condition. Together, they commit to the final confrontation.
Synthesis
The Warrens confront the Occultist in her lair. A violent supernatural battle ensues where the demon attacks them through possessed victims. Lorraine must use both her psychic gifts and her faith, while Ed uses his knowledge of exorcism. They destroy the altar and defeat the Occultist, breaking the curse on Arne.
Transformation
Arne is freed from demonic possession and reunites with Debbie. The Warrens, having survived their most dangerous case, reaffirm their love and commitment to each other, proving that love and faith can overcome even demonic evil.