Perhaps the most disquieting element of the Conjuring franchise is the reminder that these paranormal horrors are “based on a true story.” These films follow Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, respectively. In real life, Lorraine proclaimed herself a clairvoyant, and her husband Ed practiced as a demonologist. Together, these two God-fearing Connecticuters pioneered the field of paranormal investigation in the U.S. What made the first iteration so chilling—and poignant—is the reminder that these stories aren’t pure fiction, per se. The horror often hits harder because its demons are tethered to real families who believed they were under attack.

That’s not to say the series hasn’t always indulged in liberties with its core characters and its demons alike. Bu

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