‘Conjuring Tapes’ Review: A Surprisingly Spooky Anthology

I am not a fan of The Conjuring films. I laughed my way through Paranormal Activity. These previous experiences with the supernatural world were why I had low expectations of Conjuring Tapes. But, after starting off with a disturbing dream sequence, this new found footage anthology becomes more bizarre after the discovery of old videotapes by two young women.

The term “conjuring” refers to the act of performing tricks or illusions, often involving the appearance or disappearance of objects, typically for entertainment purposes. It can also mean summoning supernatural forces or entities. Conjuring Tapes does an impressive job of not only creating various scenarios where malevolent forces are invoked but also presents itself as almost an anthology of paranormal stories woven together in several videotapes with a curious commonality: the two women watching actually appear in every VHS tape as different people! How unsettling, yet so intriguing.

While both claim to be unfamiliar with each scenario—such as a double date over a Ouija board or scary possessions of the duo in an abandoned office building—the one source of sinister control is derived during an evil cult gathering that ultimately determines their frightening fate.

Each piece of found footage is more malicious than the last, and yet we all become intoxicated by the sheer phenomenon of where this inexplicable story is taking us, rather than trying to escape the madness. You may want to look away, but trust me, you’ll be sorry if you do.

Conjuring Tapes is a fresh perspective on the ongoing fascination with paranormal activity. There are no contrived performances or inorganic reactions to the fear presented before these young women. They watch with natural bewilderment, uncertainty, and apprehensive terror. How would you feel after seeing yourself interact with (what you believe to be) strangers, demons, and a scary-ass prophet who holds your life in their hands? The best part of the entire chronicle is that it’s all intended for your own interpretation. Do with it as you will. I chose to enjoy this crazy trip.

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