Conjuring the Cult

With the 2024 movie "Conjuring the Cult" being a horror movie that I had neither seen nor heard about, of course I opted to watch it, as I had the opportunity to do so here in 2025. I found the movie's cover to be alluringly interesting, and sat down to watch the movie with an open mind accessible to impressions, as I virtually didn't know what I was getting into here.

Writer and director Calvin Morie McCarthy put together a rather slow paced narrative. It was a storyline that sort of tried relying on atmosphere and slowly building up tension, but it sort of was too sluggishly paced to be really effective. At one hour into the 93 minute runtime nothing thrilling or particularly entertaining had happened, and I have to admit that my attention was drifting to other things than the movie.

I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list, aside from Neil Green and Elissa Dowling, which is actually something that worked in favor of the movie. Yeah, I enjoy watching new and unfamiliar talents on the screen whenever I sit down to watch a movie. And I will say that the acting performances in "Conjuring the Cult" were adequate.

"Conjuring the Cult" was a swing and a miss of a movie. The narrative was simply too slow paced and uneventful to provide much of any entertainment value.

It should be noted, however, that the production was good, but it didn't count for much as the narrative was killing the viewing experience.

This is definitely not a movie that will grace my screen a second time, as it was quite the struggle to sit through it the first time around. Neither is it a movie that I would recommend horror fans to seek out.

My rating of writer and director Calvin Morie McCarthy's 2024 attempt at a horror movie lands on a generous three out of ten stars.

Conjuring the cult excels in its build-up and suspense, particularly through the well-crafted reveal of the cult's dark intentions. The transition from a grief-driven search to a chilling discovery is seamless, with each scene skillfully contributing to an increasingly tense atmosphere. The visual storytelling is particularly striking, blending eerie elements with a hauntingly beautiful cinematography that keeps the audience enthralled.

Despite its occasional reliance on dream sequences, the film uses this technique effectively to blur the lines between reality and nightmare, enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of the plot. Each twist and turn is delivered with precision, ensuring that the suspense never wanes.

Overall, this film is a masterful blend of emotion, suspense, and supernatural elements, making it a standout in its genre. It's a captivating watch that not only entertains but also deeply moves its audience, leaving a lasting impression.

> Poor scene transitions, unconvincing make-up, weak acting, awkward camera angles, and mismatched music everywhere. The neck of the actress playing the gothic leader seems like it's the same in reality, too.

There's fog everywhere - even indoors, the rooms are shrouded in mist. Every attempt at creating an atmosphere falls flat.

I couldn't tell if I was watching a horror, a comedy, or some kind of experiment. All I know is I watched a disaster. I genuinely don't understand how it has an IMDb rating above 6. It's a movie that lacks direction, creativity, and coherence.

Truly a waste of time.

This really does stand out as a gripping and intense supernatural horror film that masterfully intertwines psychological drama with chilling scenes. The story follows a heartbroken father unraveling the mysterious circumstances surrounding his daughter's apparent suicide, which leads him deep into a terrifying occult conspiracy involving her friends.

The film excels in gradually unveiling the malevolent motives of the cult, maintaining a tight grip on suspense throughout. The cinematography adds to the eerie atmosphere, perfectly complementing the tense storyline. The portrayal of the father's transformation from deep grief to stark terror is particularly striking, especially as the film builds to its climactic twists and turns.

Although the movie relies on dream sequences to depict the cult's eerie influence, this choice effectively heightens the sense of dread. Conjuring the Cult is a commendable addition to its genre, offering both horror aficionados and newcomers a thrilling cinematic experience.

Conjuring the Cult offers a refreshing take on the horror genre with its unique premise and unpredictable storyline. The film follows David, a grieving father whose desperate quest for closure leads him to a mysterious cult promising resurrection. Despite operating on a modest budget, the film impressively avoids the pitfalls of predictability that often plague similar movies. Clever twists and well-timed reveals keep the audience engaged, making it a standout for its creative narrative and the genuine suspense it builds.

While the film's budget constraints are evident in some technical aspects, the solid storyline and strong performances, especially from the lead, compensate well. Conjuring the Cult manages to deliver an emotional punch and a thoughtful exploration of grief and hope, wrapped in a chilling supernatural plot. It's a testament to how effective storytelling paired with committed performances can elevate a film above its financial limitations, making it well worth the watch for fans looking for something beyond the usual horror tropes.