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In a 2008 article from the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, published five years prior to the theatrical release of The Conjuring franchise, famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren faced scrutiny. This critical examination focused on the founders of the New England Society for Psychic Research, known for assisting individuals haunted by supernatural entities across an estimated 10,000 cases. However, their long-established reputation was challenged, particularly in relation to the local Pennsylvania case involving the Smurl family.
The Smurl family’s ordeal lies at the heart of The Conjuring: Last Rites, the concluding entry in the highly successful series which has generated four feature films and various spin-offs (including Annabelle and The Nun) that have dominated box office sales since their inception in 2013. The entire franchise boasts an impressive total revenue of $2.4 billion against a relatively modest production budget of $263 million, establishing it as the highest-grossing horror franchise to date, with Last Rites, directed by Michael Chaves, achieving record-setting numbers.
Despite the franchise’s adherence to historical accuracy regarding the timelines of events, the narrative surrounding the Smurl case is absent a skeptical viewpoint, which the Times Leader highlighted in its review. In 1986, the family’s troubling experiences captured significant media attention, luring numerous national reporters to the area, eventually attracting the Warrens. The duo, recognized for their self-taught expertise in demonology, quickly deemed the Smurl residence in West Pittston, PA as home to both benign and malevolent entities, complicating the lives of Jack Smurl, his wife Janet, their four daughters, and Jack’s parents.
The Conjuring film series has consistently endeavored to portray the periods of their real-life inspirations accurately, featuring captivating performances, particularly by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, respectively. However, the cinematic narrative is primarily derived from the Warrens’ retelling of events, which, in the context of Last Rites, faced skepticism from contemporaneous observers. The true story likely entailed elements of mental health issues, misinterpretations of ambient noises, and relational dependence.
“The Conjuring films endeavor to remain true to the real-life narratives from which they draw,” stated longtime producer James Wan in an interview preceding the release of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This particular installment explored the landmark 1983 case of alleged demonic possession, wherein a legal defense based on the premise that a demon had transferred from a child to an adult was initially crafted. The ensuing reaction from both the judicial system and the general populace underscored society’s fascination with such extraordinary claims.
In the case of the Smurl family, speculation regarding Jack’s deteriorating mental health was proposed as a possible explanation for the reported incidents. The family claimed experiences ranging from terrifying screams to foul odors, with disturbing accounts of both physical and psychological torment, including alleged attacks on Jack Smurl and even their dog.
A Times Ledger article published during the height of the Smurl media frenzy noted that Jack had undergone surgery for hydrocephalus before their move to Chase Street, raising questions about his cognitive health. Paul Kurtz from Buffalo State assessed the case, branding it a “hoax” and criticizing the Warrens for their purported lack of scientific grounding in the paranormal field.
Many of the family’s experiences are depicted vividly in Last Rites, showcasing the Smurls enduring escalating horror, including encounters with multiple apparitions. Dramatic portrayals capture the family in disturbing scenarios, reflecting claims like Jack being physically assaulted by demonic forces. In particular, one sequence highlights Dawn Smurl suffering from severe vomiting, an exaggerated feature reportedly stemming from her responses to visits from the Warrens.
The narrative unfolds with Lorraine Warren employing her psychic insights to unveil the truth behind the nefarious forces tormenting the Smurl home, linking it to a cursed mirror from prior films in the franchise. This mirror is tied to traumatic events involving the Warrens’ daughter, Judy, who plays a pivotal role in solving the series of supernatural events by ultimately confronting the evil entity connected to the mirror.
However, the specific plot device of the demonic mirror did not form part of the original Smurl narrative; such elements illustrate the creative liberties typical of Hollywood’s adaptations. Judy Warren has shared insights into her childhood experiences, expressing trauma from being subjected to her parents’ investigations and now continues their legacy with her husband Tony Spera, overseeing the New England Society for Psychic Research.
In conclusion, while the dramatization of the Smurl family’s ordeal portrays a resolved narrative in Last Rites, the reality leaned more towards a complex interplay of media sensationalism and personal trauma, as documented extensively at the time.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.