An Analysis of Annabelle: Cults, Horror, and the Evolution of Film

This report provides an analysis of the horror film Annabelle, examining its depiction of cults, exorcism, and psychological horror. The report begins by outlining the plot of the film, including the home invasion by cult members and the subsequent demonic possession of a doll. It explores how the movie portrays the rituals and beliefs associated with cults and how the film uses psychological horror techniques to create suspense and fear. The analysis also delves into the concept of exorcism, discussing its role in the film and its historical and religious context. Furthermore, the report examines the evolution of horror films, comparing the original Annabelle movie with its sequels and noting advancements in sound and visual effects. Finally, the report uses cited sources to support its claims, offering a comprehensive overview of the film's themes and techniques.

Surname 1
Name:
Instructor:
Date:
Analysis of Annabelle
Cult is a practice where individuals believe in a supernatural being and do things that are
considered strange or unreligious. In the United States, it is estimated that about twenty million
people have been involved in a cult at some point of their lives (Snow 5). There are godly and
satanic cults. In Anabelle, 2014, the cult was symbolized when cult members invaded homes and
murdered the Higgins and performed a ritual on a doll. The ritual led to the demon possession.
The demon tormented John’s family until Evelyne gave up her soul. The movie can be used to
understand the psychology of cults and how it is able to influence people.
Exorcism occurs when a demon is evicted from a person who was possessed. Demon
possession occurs after the performance of religious rituals (Alter 400). In the film, Father Perez
is not able to perform exorcism since the demon overpowers him. However, the film raises the
question of how exorcism can be performed and whether it is real. In the Bible, Jesus performed
miracles which involved exorcism. Presently, the Roman Catholic church still practices
exorcism. Further, research could reveal more about its practices.
Psychological horror is usually used in films and it relies on the emotional state of a
person to frighten them. It can be realized by the use of frightening images and sounds. In
addition, it involves characters that are emotionally unstable and paranormal activities. For
example, in Annabelle, Mia is often seen trying to fight off the demon which has possessed the
doll. Similarly, in the latest, Anabelle movie that was released this year the demon possesses

Surname 2
Janice and it injures her when she tries to escape. The movie can be used to explore how
psychological horror is used to frighten people and why it is effective.
The movie can also be used to demonstrate how movies have evolved over the years. The
first Annabelle movie was released in 2014 and there is a new one which premiered this year. A
comparison of the two movies can reveal different advancements that have been made in relation
to sound and images used. For instance, the new film does not focus so much on the doll as was
the case in the earlier one.
Anabelle is a horror movie that premiered in 2014. In the movie, John buys a doll for his
pregnant wife Mia to add to her doll collection (Leonetti, John et al.). Afterward, the Higgins
who are their neighbors are murdered in a home invasion by their daughter and her boyfriend
who are cult members. Later, the family is tormented by the doll which is possessed by a demon.
The second series was released in 2017 and it explained why Higgins daughter murdered the
parents. Both films are characterized by paranormal scenes and demonic possession. This movie
can be used as a basis to explore more on cults, exorcism, psychological horror and the evolution
of horror films.

Surname 3
Works cited
Alter, Joseph S. "Spirits and Exorcism: On the Semiotics of Healing and Recovery." Ethos 42.4
(2014): 399-414. Wiley-Blackwell. Web. 28 Sept. 2017. doi:10.1111/etho.12061.
Leonetti, John. "Annabelle (2014)." Imdb. Web. 28 Sept. 2017,
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322940/.
Snow, Robert L. Deadly Cults. Westport, Conn., Praeger, 2003.