Careful not to get too close to the haunted doll! (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA:

Ever since the first “Conjuring” film was released in 2013, horror fans have raved about its refreshing take on the genre and outright terrifying moments that had them leaving the lights on when they went to bed.

Multiple sequels and spinoffs followed thereafter, from “The Conjuring 2” to offshoots involving haunted dolls and lurking nuns – with varying degrees of success.

Recently, the popular franchise landed in Malaysia in the form of an immersive walk-through horror experience located at The Curve shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Welcome to The Conjuring Universe Tour!

So, is it any good? Some spoilers ahead!

The tour features 20 interactive zones in total, where iconic scenes from the eight films in the “Conjuring” universe are recreated.

At the entrance, framed movie posters and “case reports” with short plot summaries are displayed, so if you’re unfamiliar with the movies, these provide some useful background information.

The Conjuring Universe Tour runs until Nov 19 at The Curve in Mutiara Damansara, Selangor. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Upon entering,you’ll be guided to a classroom and shown a short video by a paranormal investigator named Sean, who urges you to “finish the research that he couldn’t”.

The sets are shown in chronological order of the movies’ timelines, starting from “The Nun”, which took place in the 1950s, and ending with “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It“, set in the ’80s.

Spooky encounters

First, you’ll walk past a foggy graveyard illuminated with dim lights and creepy music in the background, setting the atmosphere for the creepy experience that follows.

It’ll be hard to stifle an “OMG” in the next room when you see multiple nuns with bags over their heads standing still, evoking the fear that one of them will grab you as you walk past.

The next room keeps that energy going: five bodies hang upside down from the ceiling, reenacting the ritual in which nuns sacrificed themselves to stop the demon Valak from possessing them. Joy!

Then comes the room that spells the beginning of the haunted doll Annabelle. The Mullins Toy Company – the folks behind the dastardly doll – promises that the sweet Raggedy Ann will be little girl’s “new best friend”. Really?

Where it all started for the sweet doll Annabelle: The Mullins Toy Company. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

You’ll also see Mullins’ daughter Bee’s room. Every small detail from the movie is recreated here, down to the tiny furniture in her dollhouse.

One of the highlights of the tour is the replica of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s artefact room, in which they keep “souvenirs” from their past haunted cases.

This is also where you’ll spot the now-iconic Annabelle sitting in a glass case with the ominous words “Do not open”!

The Ferryman’s Tomb and the Mirror Maze soon follow: it’s best for visitors to stay close to the tour guide so as not to lose their way. Keep an eye out for the Bloody Bride in the mirrors!

Bee’s room from ‘Annabelle: Creation’ is painstakingly recreated here. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Once you’ve made your escape, be amazed by the famed tree outside the Perron home from “The Conjuring”. Kudos to the tour’s decision to show just the shadow of the witch that hanged herself, which is infinitely creepier than a mannequin!

Sadly, visitors will be barred from taking any pictures in the remaining rooms, but rest assured you’ll understand why when you give the tour a go.

It takes roughly an hour to complete the walk-through. And at the end, don’t forget to browse through and buy merchandise related to the films as a spooky souvenir.

Items such as t-shirts, tote bags, umbrellas and “Nun”-inspired plush toys are available – as well as a replica (one assumes!) of the iconic Annabelle doll.

Value for money?

Overall, The Conjuring Universe Tour is creepy, compelling, and well-designed – apart from the discrepancies in the artefact room from the actual movie set, which might bring diehard fans out of the experience a bit.

The shadow of the witch that hanged herself in ‘The Conjuring’. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Still, for fans and followers of the franchise, this interactive tour is a must, as you’re bound to understand and appreciate the references and Easter eggs.

Casual goers, however, might be turned off by the steep entrance fees, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide if the experience is worth the admission price.

For more information, head to The Conjuring Universe Tour’s website.

The Conjuring Universe Tour
Lot 171, Level 1 @ The Curve,
6, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opening hours:
11am-11pm daily

Admission fees: