One Of The Scariest Movies Ever Was Shown With A Priest On Standby
Horror movies have always been a mixed bag; some give you a few jump scares, while others leave you rattled for days. There are films that entertain with a few frights, and then there are those that push the limits of what our minds can comfortably handle.
One film, in particular, managed to blur the line between cinematic terror and real-life anxiety by taking the fear factor so far that audiences needed the reassurance of spiritual guidance during its screening. When you settle in for a horror movie, you know what you’re getting into: a carefully crafted narrative designed to unsettle and scare you.
Yet, every so often, a film comes along that goes a step further, stirring deep psychological and emotional responses that linger long after the credits roll. In 2013, a movie achieved just that.
It wasn’t just a film that made you jump at every creak in the dark; it was a film that made some viewers feel the need for a comforting presence from someone well-versed in matters of the spirit. That film was The Conjuring.
Before the film expanded into a sprawling nine-film franchise that many now refer to as The Conjuring Universe, it introduced us to the real-life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.
"The Conjuring - Official Main Trailer [HD]"
James Wan's The Conjuring terrified audiences and critics alike, becoming known as one of the scariest movies ever. 2/2
Directed by James Wan, who had already established his reputation with movies like Saw and Final Destination, The Conjuring set out to tell a story that was as much about the battle between good and evil as it was about a family’s desperate struggle against a malevolent force haunting their farmhouse in the countryside.
The film quickly earned a reputation as one of the scariest movies ever made. It received high marks from both critics and audiences, boasting an 89 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an 83 per cent audience score.
Such numbers aren’t just numbers; they reflect the visceral impact the film had on people. It wasn’t just about the art of creating scares on screen; the film’s intense portrayal of supernatural terror resonated so strongly that it left some viewers in a state of genuine distress.
Warner BrosThe Conjuring felt so intense to early viewers that a priest was brought in for support.
So, why was there a need for a priest at screenings of The Conjuring? According to the film’s promotional materials, early viewers experienced such unusual and unsettling sensations that the organizers felt it necessary to offer extra support.
One of the posters for The Conjuring even stated, “Due to our concern for your well-being, we have invited Father Perez to be here. He will be available after the film to offer spiritual support and/or conduct a personal blessing should you feel the need.”
Whether this was a nod to a future character or simply a thoughtful gesture, it highlighted just how far the film pushed the boundaries of typical horror fare.
RedditIn Chicago, during a screening in 2013, an actual priest was on hand. Michael Juvinall of Horror Society attended this event and later recounted his experience with Father Jason Malave, who was present to provide some form of spiritual comfort to the disturbed audience members.
Father Malave wasn’t just a background figure; he actively engaged with the viewers by addressing the central themes of the film. He spoke about the nature of good and evil, urging people not to succumb to the forces of darkness.
After the screening, Father Malave conducted prayers to help protect the audience from any lingering malevolent energy that the film’s intense imagery might have stirred up. In an unexpected twist, the viewers even received small goodie bags containing items such as a prayer card, a rosary, and a vial of Holy Water, tangible symbols of protection meant to bring a sense of reassurance.
This thoughtful addition to the screening experience transformed it from a simple movie night into a communal event where the boundary between cinema and personal well-being was openly acknowledged.
What made this gesture unforgettable was how perfectly it mirrored the film’s deep dive into spiritual warfare. The Conjuring goes far beyond mere jump scares and ghostly figures; it tells a story about the timeless battle between light and dark.
Father Malave's presence and his meaningful engagement with the audience reinforced the film’s focus on facing the unknown head-on. By combining traditional spiritual support with an experience that pushed audiences to their limits, the event created a unique convergence of art and personal belief. At this decisive moment, cinematic terror met real-life faith.
