First debuting in 2013, The Conjuring has quickly become one of the most iconic horror franchises of the decade. The movies follow the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a pair of demonologists whose work has been the subject of numerous books, television shows, and films.

The Conjuring started as the story of a haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island and grew into a series of spinoffs, prequels, and sequels, including The Nun and Annabelle. Annabelle Comes Home is the third installment in the Annabelle series (seventh in The Conjuring franchise) and sees the Warrens take the possessed doll to their own home in an attempt to contain the evil entity.

Annabelle Comes Home builds off the storyline of Annabelle and Annabelle: Creation, diving into the Warrens’ personal lives and the artifacts they’ve collected over the years. Viewers are introduced to their daughter Judy (played by McKenna Grace) and learn that the Annabelle doll is just a part of the greater evil lurking in the Warrens’ home.

Though met with somewhat mixed reviews, Annabelle Comes Home stands out from other entries in the series. Writer and director Gary Dauberman develops tension from the beginning and taps into the primal fear of being a child and having your home taken over by evil. Overall, The Conjuring universe movies may not be for everyone, but the films have grossed over $2 billion worldwide and continue to draw large audiences. Let’s look at why Annabelle Comes Home is a scary high point of all the Conjuring sequels.

Effective Use of Pacing and Suspense

All The Conjuring movies are known for drawn-out scenes of suspense, dark atmospheres, and jump scares. Annabelle Comes Home takes this to the next level, capitalizing on slow-burn pacing and intense scenes. The tension is expertly crafted, with Dauberman cleverly using sound design, camera angles, and an incredible soundtrack to create a truly frightening experience.

the skillfully crafted suspense. There are some scenes where nothing happens, but the fear and anxiety of what might happen keeps viewers on edge. Dauberman toys with the audience and keeps them guessing, generating anticipation throughout the entire film.

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Though only a co-writer and producer, there is a heavy nod to James Wan’s signature style in Annabelle Comes Home. From the use of jump scares (which are well-timed and not overdone) to outstanding cinematography, the movie is filled with classic horror tropes and perfectly executed pacing.

McKenna Grace’s Performance Is Key

While the Annabelle Comes Home cast is filled with talent, McKenna Grace stands out as Judy Warren. Her performance is key to the film, and her ability to carry the story without veteran actors Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson is impressive.

In the movie, Judy is a brave, relatable protagonist who confronts the evil surrounding her home with strength and determination. We learn more about her struggles as the Warren’s daughter, dealing with bullying and a lack of understanding from her peers. She finds friendship in Mary Ellen, her babysitter, and Mary Ellen’s friend Daniela. The three are the primary characters in the film and must deal with the repercussions of Daniela opening Annabelle’s case and unleashing the evil spirits.

.Grace’s performance gives the audience an emotional connection to her character, allowing them to bond with Judy as she faces her fears. There is a heavy focus on traditional themes of good vs. evil and religion as a form of protection, with Judy providing an example of how taking back control of a situation can be empowering.