What Is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It About?
The premise of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the early 1980s, the quiet towns of New England hide an undercurrent of dread that only a few are willing to confront. Among them move Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren, a married pair whose lives have become a delicate balance of faith, skepticism, and the relentless pursuit of the unseen. Bound together by love and a shared vocation, they have built a reputation for confronting the darkest corners of the supernatural, keeping a trove of haunted artifacts in a modest home that feels simultaneously ordinary and haunted itself. Their partnership is as much a quiet dialogue of mutual respect as it is a dynamic blend of Ed’s pragmatic, investigative instincts with Lorraine’s intuitive, empathic sensitivity.
When a teenager steps forward claiming to be possessed by a malevolent force, the Warrens are drawn into a case that threatens to blur the line between the spiritual and the legal. The accusations quickly spiral beyond a typical haunting, pushing the duo into uncharted territory where the courts entertain a defense rooted in the occult. This unprecedented scenario forces them to sift through whispered legends, cryptic symbols, and the fragile testimony of a desperate soul, all while grappling with the unsettling possibility that the evil they chase may have found a foothold in the modern world’s institutions.
The film’s tone is a slow‑burning blend of atmospheric dread and investigative intrigue, where every creaking floorboard and flickering candle hints at deeper mysteries. As the Warrens delve deeper, their bond is tested, revealing how their complementary strengths become essential tools against forces that defy ordinary comprehension. The story invites viewers into a world where faith meets the law, and where the quest to protect a troubled young man becomes a chilling exploration of belief, fear, and the unseen battles that linger just beyond the edge of ordinary perception.
What Happens in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It?
The complete story of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, from the first scene to the last, in 639 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 1981, renowned demonologists Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren find themselves deeply involved in a harrowing case involving the exorcism of 8-year-old David Glatzel, which is attended by his family members, including Debbie Glatzel, her boyfriend Arne Johnson, and Father Gordon (Steve Coulter). During the intense ritual in the town of Brookfield, Connecticut, Arne boldly invites the demon to take over his own body instead of David’s, a moment that leads to dire consequences.
As Ed witnesses the demon transferring from David to Arne during a critical moment while he suffers a heart attack, he is left comatose and hospitalized. Once he awakens, Ed reveals to Lorraine his unsettling realization about Arne’s possession. In a desperate move to prevent impending doom, Lorraine alerts the police to rush to a kennel, foreseeing that a tragedy is about to occur. Shortly after, the couple returns to their apartment above the kennel where Debbie works, but their lives take a dark turn when Arne, under the influence of demonic forces, brutally stabs his landlord Bruno Sauls 22 times.
With the Warrens’ assistance, Arne’s case becomes unprecedented as the first American murder trial to assert demonic possession as a legal defense, igniting an investigation into the original possession of David. The Warrens uncover a sinister satanic curse linked to a witch’s totem, leading them to Kastner, a former priest familiar with the Disciples of the Ram cult. Kastner discloses that a malevolent occultist had deliberately left the totem behind, casting a curse upon the Glatzel family that ultimately led to David’s torment.
The investigation takes them to Danvers, Massachusetts, where the tragic death of Katie Lincoln is revealed, also having been stabbed 22 times. A totem found at Jessica’s home—a friend of Katie’s who has mysteriously gone missing—links to the occultist. Through a harrowing vision, Lorraine witnesses the tragic sequence of events where Jessica, influenced by the same demonic possession, stabs Katie before taking her own life off a cliff. This revelation helps the detectives locate Jessica’s body.
The search intensifies when Lorraine seeks the occultist at the funeral home, connecting directly with the corpse to unveil its secrets. In a chilling vision, she travels through shadowy tunnels to thwart the occultist’s intentions, just as Ed finds himself on the brink of being possessed himself but is saved in the nick of time by Drew.
Back at their home, they uncover the same cursed totem concealed among black roses. A book detailing Stregherian witchcraft provides crucial insights, revealing that to lift the curse, the occultist’s altar must be annihilated. Their inquiries lead to the assumption that the occultist is operating near Fairfield University, where Katie had attended.
Desperate for aid, Lorraine returns to Kastner, who regretfully shares his dark past involving his daughter Isla, who grew fascinated with the occult and ultimately became the very occultist they seek. Tragically, Kastner loses his life in the ensuing confrontation, but not before guiding Lorraine toward the altar’s location.
In a gripping climax, Ed breaches the tunnels with determination, yet momentarily succumbs to possession. Just as he plans to harm Lorraine, she courageously reminds him of their love and first meeting, allowing him to regain control. With newfound resolve, Ed destroys the altar, saving all involved from the demonic threat. In a twist of fate, the occultist meets her demise at the hands of the very demon she summoned when her curse remains incomplete.
In the aftermath, Ed adds the remnants of the altar to their collection of artifacts, placing it alongside the Valak painting and the Annabelle doll for safekeeping. Meanwhile, Arne receives a manslaughter conviction but only serves five years, ultimately marrying Debbie during his imprisonment. To commemorate their bond, Ed presents Lorraine with a replica of the gazebo where they first shared a kiss, symbolizing their enduring love amidst the darkness they’ve faced.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Demonic Possession” to “Life After Darkness”. 11 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
The Demonic Possession
In 1981, renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate the troubling case of 8-year-old David Glatzel. The young boy is plagued by a malevolent spirit, drawing his family, including his sister Debbie and her boyfriend Arne, into a horrifying ordeal.
When:1981 Where:Brookfield, Connecticut
- 2
The Exorcism Ritual
During an intense exorcism ritual, Arne Johnson acts boldly by inviting the demon to possess him instead of David. This pivotal moment results in Arne being overtaken by the dark entity, which leads to unforeseen consequences for everyone involved.
When:1981 Where:Brookfield, Connecticut
- 3
Ed Warren's Heart Attack
As Ed Warren witnesses the demonic transfer from David to Arne during the exorcism, he suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma. His condition leaves Lorraine to confront the malevolent forces alone, amplifying the stakes of their investigation.
When:1981 Where:Hospital
- 4
A Tragic Prediction
Once he recovers, Ed shares a chilling insight with Lorraine about Arne's possession. Lorraine, sensing impending doom, rushes the police to a nearby kennel where they believe a tragedy is about to unfold.
When:1981 Where:Kennel
- 5
Arne's Violent Act
Under the control of the demon, Arne Johnson brutally stabs his landlord Bruno Sauls 22 times. This heinous act marks a turning point in the case, thrusting Arne into the spotlight of a murder investigation.
When:1981 Where:Kennel
- 6
The Unprecedented Trial
The case against Arne becomes historic as it becomes the first American murder trial to claim demonic possession as a defense. The Warrens dive deep into the investigation to understand the origins of David's possession and Arne's actions.
When:1981
- 7
Uncovering the Curse
The Warrens discover a sinister occultist's curse linked to a witch’s totem, leading them to a former priest named Kastner. He reveals that a malicious cult member had intentionally cursed the Glatzel family, affecting David's fate.
When:1981 Where:Kastner's location
- 8
The Tragic Death of Katie Lincoln
Investigating further, the Warrens learn about the violent death of Katie Lincoln, who was also stabbed 22 times. A connection is made to a missing friend, Jessica, suggesting a wider demonic influence at play.
When:1981 Where:Danvers, Massachusetts
- 9
The Heartbreaking Vision
Lorraine experiences a horrifying vision of Jessica stabbing Katie before taking her own life. This revelation aids detectives in locating Jessica's body, deepening the ties between the occult and the tragic events.
When:1981 Where:Cliff
- 10
Confronting the Occultist
Lorraine seeks out the occultist at a funeral home, where she connects with a corpse to access hidden knowledge. This chilling encounter brings her closer to understanding the dark forces manipulating their lives.
When:1981 Where:Funeral Home
Show the other 5 events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Altar's Revelation
The search for the occultist leads the Warrens to indicative artifacts, including the cursed totem hidden among black roses. They realize that to break the curse, the occultist's altar must be destroyed, navigating a race against time.
When:1981
- 12
Kastner's Dark Past
Desperate for information, Lorraine revisits Kastner, who reveals his tragic past involving his daughter Isla. It becomes evident that Isla has turned into the very occultist they are pursuing, complicating their mission.
When:1981 Where:Kastner's location
- 13
Climactic Showdown
In a gripping showdown, Ed confronts the demon lurking in dark tunnels while teetering on the edge of possession. Lorraine's reminder of their love helps him regain control, leading to a critical moment of hope amidst despair.
When:1981 Where:Tunnels
- 14
Destroying the Altar
With newfound clarity, Ed destroys the occultist's altar, which ultimately frees Arne and David from the demon's grasp. The confrontation reveals the occultist's fate, as she is killed by the very demon she aimed to control.
When:1981
- 15
Life After Darkness
In the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal, Ed adds remnants of the altar to their collection, signifying victory over darkness. Arne receives only a five-year sentence for manslaughter and marries Debbie, while Ed gifts Lorraine a replica of their first kiss's gazebo, celebrating their enduring bond.
When:After 1981
Who Are the Main Characters in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It?
5 characters, among them Ed Warren, Lorraine Warren and Arne Cheyenne Johnson: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Ed Warren
Played by Patrick Wilson
Ed Warren is a seasoned demonologist, deeply committed to helping those in need of spiritual guidance. His courage is tested when confronted with the terrifying possession case of young David Glatzel and the subsequent events surrounding Arne Johnson. Ed's unwavering love for Lorraine showcases his resilience against dark forces.
- 😇 Hero
- 👨🔬 Demonologist
- ❤️ Love
-
Lorraine Warren
Played by Vera Farmiga
Lorraine Warren, a gifted clairvoyant, acts as Ed's emotional and spiritual pillar. Throughout the investigation, her visions guide the couple toward uncovering the truth behind the demonic curse. Lorraine's bravery shines as she faces unspeakable horrors while remaining steadfast in her love for Ed.
- 👩❤️👨 Support
- 🔮 Clairvoyant
- 🦸 Courage
- AC
Arne Cheyenne Johnson
Played by Ruairi O'Connor
Arne Johnson is a young man drawn into a web of supernatural terror after the demonic forces invade his life. His choice to invite the demon into himself marks a turning point, resulting in tragic consequences. Throughout the ordeal, he struggles with his humanity and the aftermath of his actions.
- 😱 Tragic
- 👨⚖️ Accused
- ⚰️ Possessed
-
Father Gordon
Played by Steve Coulter
Father Gordon is a supportive figure during the exorcism, representing the battle of faith against dark supernatural forces. He aids in the ritual but faces challenges as he witnesses the devastating impact of the demonic presence on the innocent. His faith and dedication are vital to the story.
- ✝️ Faith
- 🙏 Priest
- 🛡️ Protector
-
The Occultist
Played by Eugenie Bondurant
The Occultist embodies malevolence and dark magic, orchestrating a series of events that lead to David’s torment. She is tied to the cursed totem that unleashes chaos upon the Glatzel family. Her actions are driven by a sinister motive, representing the ultimate evil the Warrens strive to combat.
- 🔮 Evil
- ☠️ Dark Magic
- 🕷️ Manipulator
Where and When Is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Set?
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is set in Brookfield, Connecticut, Danvers, Massachusetts and Fairfield University (1981). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1981
Set in 1981, this period witnessed growing public interest in paranormal investigations and supernatural occurrences. The movie delves into themes of demonic possession and exorcism, reflecting societal fears and the clash between faith and the forces of evil prevalent during the early 80s.
Where
Brookfield, Connecticut, Danvers, Massachusetts, Fairfield University
Brookfield, Connecticut, is the primary setting where the harrowing events unfold, particularly during the intense exorcism of young David Glatzel. Danvers, Massachusetts, serves as another crucial location tied to the tragic death of Katie Lincoln, revealing a dark connection to the occult. Finally, Fairfield University plays a significant role, linking the characters to the origins of the sinister curse.
- 🏙️ City
- 📍 Location
- ⚰️ Occult
What Are the Themes of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Possession and Justice.
-
01
Possession
The theme of possession runs central to the story, as characters are overtaken by demonic forces, leading to tragic outcomes. Arne's possession becomes a pivotal element, transforming a personal crisis into a legal struggle with broader implications. The film explores the fine line between good and evil, showcasing how dark influences can spiral out of control.
-
02
Justice
The concept of justice manifests in the unprecedented trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, where demonic possession is presented as a defense. This raises ethical and philosophical questions about accountability and the nature of evil. The characters confront the legal system while exploring the intersection of faith, morality, and the supernatural.
How Does The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It End?
The last act of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and what it means, in 277 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The ending of “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” reveals that the real source of the supernatural chaos wasn’t just a demon possessed by an evil spirit, but rather a human being, Isla, an occultist who made a dangerous deal with the demon. Her goal was to cause chaos by controlling her victims—David, Jessica, and Arne—and to fulfill her part of the bargain, she needed to claim their lives. Isla had previously succeeded with Jessica, who took a witch’s totem from college and then was driven to kill her best friend and herself. Her plan was intricately tied to the demon she was working with, forcing her to orchestrate these murders and chaos for her own salvation. Luckily, Ed and Lorraine Warren intervene by destroying the altar and breaking the curse, preventing Isla from completing her deadly mission. This shift from traditional possession to a human villain controlling the demonic influence marks a major departure from earlier Conjuring films. Throughout the movie, the demon’s presence is only implied through the tragic outcomes, not seen directly, emphasizing the human’s manipulation rather than an uncontested supernatural entity. The ending is also layered with themes of faith, obsession, and the destructive nature of greed, as well as the Warrens’ resilience in combating evil. Though the film embellishes the true story of Arne Johnson’s trial, many fictional elements, like Isla’s character and her cult connections, serve to deepen the horror and connect the story to the larger universe. The ending leaves open the possibility of future cases, with the Warrens facing new supernatural challenges, hinting that their next adventure could explore other prominent haunted cases from their storied past.
What Kind of Film Is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A consistently tense and dark supernatural horror film that follows paranormal investigators through a disturbing case involving demonic forces, a brutal murder, and a desperate fight to lift a sinister satanic curse.
- dark
- suspenseful
- disturbing
- anxious
- oppressive
- supernatural dread
- demonic possession
- crime investigation
- satanic curse
- legal defense
Content notes: demonic possession, child endangerment, graphic violence, suicide, satanic ritual.
Quiz
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