Religious Symbolism in The Conjuring: A Film Study

Religious Symbolism & Fear

in The Conjuring Franchise

Joshua Quesada

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview

Literature Review / Background

Research Gap

Research Question

Methods

Data & Findings

Conclusion

Limitations

Applications

SLIDE 03 · LITERATURE REVIEW

Religious Horror

An Overview

Subgenre combining religion and horror

Focus on Good vs. Evil

Common Themes: possession, exorcism, divine power

Symbols: crosses, holy water, prayer

SLIDE 04 · LITERATURE REVIEW

Horror & Fear Techniques

Fear Created Through

Sound and music

Visual imagery

Psychological tension

Religious Horror Adds:

Fear of the unknown

Spiritual vulnerability

SLIDE 05 · LITERATURE REVIEW

The Conjuring Universe

Based on paranormal investigations

Rooted in Catholic beliefs

Directed by James Wan

Uses rituals and religious imagery

Connects fear with faith

SLIDE 06

Pictures

SLIDE 07 · RESEARCH GAP

Lead to Research Gap

EXISTING RESEARCH FOCUSES ON:

General horror techniques

Religion in film broadly

Limited Focus On:

The Conjuring franchise specifically

SLIDE 08

RESEARCH GAP

Lack of research on religious symbolism in The Conjuring films

How these symbols create fear

Need for focused film analysis

This study aims to fill this gap

My research gap is the lack of focused analysis on how religious horror is represented in horror films, specifically within The Conjuring franchise.

SLIDE 09 · RESEARCH QUESTION

Research Question

What role do religious symbols and rituals play in creating fear and resolution in The Conjuring franchise?

HYPOTHESIS:

Religious elements create fear when they

FAIL

Provide relief when they

RESTORE ORDER

SLIDE 10 · METHODOLOGY

Method Choice

Qualitative Film Analysis

Focus on interpretation and meaning

Examines visual and symbolic elements

Analyses emotional and cultural impact

SLIDE 11 · METHODOLOGY

Method Alignment

Qualitative analysis matches the research question and allows deep examination of:

Religious Symbols

Rituals

Emotional Impact on Audience

SLIDE 12 · FILM SELECTION

Selected Films

James Wan's Conjuring Universe

SLIDE 13 · METHODOLOGY

Viewing Process

1st

Viewing

Identify Themes

Establish a comprehensive understanding of the primary narrative, exploring overarching tones and underlying thematic concepts.

2nd

Viewing

Track Symbols & Rituals

Examine stylistic choices throughout, intentionally isolating visual motifs, framing techniques, and distinct symbolic elements.

3rd

Viewing

Analyze Patterns

Synthesize structural components and visual repetitions to draw connections, formulating an in-depth unified analytical conclusion.

SLIDE 13 · METHODOLOGY

Collage & Data Collection

Symbolic Objects

Sacred Rituals

Demonic Disruption

Visual Contrast

Collected screenshots as evidence

SLIDE 14 · DATA & FINDINGS

SLIDE 15

Pictures

SLIDE 14 · DATA & FINDINGS

Religious Objects

Crucifixes

Bibles

Holy Water

Found in high-tension scenes

Fear increases when they fail

SLIDE 15 · DATA & FINDINGS

SLIDE 15

Pictures

SLIDE 16

Pictures

SLIDE 18 · DATA & FINDINGS

Rituals

Exorcisms

Prayers

Blessings

Serve as turning points in the narrative

Represent both fear and resolution

SLIDE 20

Pictures

SLIDE 19 · DATA & FINDINGS

Patterns Across Films

Sacred vs. Evil Contrast

Evil Invading Safe Spaces

Strengthens emotional tension across all three films

SLIDE 20 · CONCLUSION

Conclusion

Hypothesis Supported

Religious elements create fear when weakened

Provide relief when restored

Fear and faith work together

SLIDE 21 · LIMITATIONS

Limitations

Subjectivity in Interpretation

Limited to One Film Franchise

Lack of Expert Advisory Input

SLIDE 22 · APPLICATIONS

Applications & Implications

Film Studies

Shows how films influence emotions

Media Literacy

Helps analyze symbolism in media

SLIDE 23 · CONCLUSION

Thank You!

Religious Symbolism & Fear in The Conjuring Franchise

Teacher

Peers

Anyone who supported this research

SLIDE 21 · REFERENCES

Works Cited

Boyd, Nolan. "Immaculate, Directed by Michael Mohan." Femspec, vol. 24, no. 2, fall–winter 2024, pp. 95+. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A861528239/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=9fc36d5c. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

The Conjuring. Directed by James Wan, performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2013.

The Conjuring 2. Directed by James Wan, performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2016.

The Conjuring: Last Rites. Directed by Michael Chaves, performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2025.

Doiron, Zachary. "Wetmore Jr., Kevin J. The Conjuring (Devil's Advocates)." Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts, vol. 33, no. 1, winter 2022, pp. 128+. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A745679384/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=8e3c8e30. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Hong, Seung Min. "Redemptive Fear: A Review of Sacred Terror and Further Analyses of Religious Horror Films." Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, vol. 22, no. 2, summer 2010. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A238178979/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=ff581f9b. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Miller, Maureen C. "Introduction: Material Culture and Catholic History." The Catholic Historical Review, vol. 101, no. 1, winter 2015, pp. S1+. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A403784326/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=e8650de4. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Nickell, Joe. "Ghost Hunters." Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 30, no. 5, Sept.–Oct. 2006, pp. 23+. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A151100556/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=98967466. Accessed 18 Sept. 2025.

"The Passion as Horror Film: St. Mel of the Cross." Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, vol. 20, fall 2008. Gale In Context: High School, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A196832889/GPS?u=mvhs_ca&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=663cd36b. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.