|Film on the Fringe 3| The Conjuring 2 vs. The Enfield Poltergeist: What Really Happened?

Join me as I dissect The Conjuring 2 and the real-life case that inspired it—the infamous Enfield Poltergeist. Was it a genuine supernatural event or an elaborate hoax that spiraled out of control? Let’s explore how this case became one of the most documented hauntings in history.

Ed and Lorraine Warren: Paranormal Pioneers or Masters of Mythmaking?
Before talking about the Enfield case, I take a brief detour to discuss the legendary (and controversial) ghost-hunting duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren—from their involvement in the Amityville Horror to a bizarre court case where they allegedly “proved” a haunting in a Connecticut home. I share my personal connection to this incident, which was dubbed The Hebron Horror by sensationalist media.

The Conjuring 2 (2016) – Fact, Fiction, and Some Very Creative Embellishments
James Wan’s The Conjuring 2 delivers a chilling take on the Enfield case, but how accurate is it? The film portrays the Warrens as the central investigators, battling a demonic nun and confronting a terrifying entity. In reality, they played only a minor role in the case, and some of the most iconic scares—like the Crooked Man and the dramatic exorcism—were pure invention. While the film captures the eerie atmosphere of 1970s England and delivers solid performances, it takes more than a few liberties with the truth.

The Enfield Haunting: What Really Happened?
Between 1977 and 1979, the Hodgson family of Enfield, England, claimed they were tormented by a poltergeist. Witnesses, including police officers and journalists, reported seeing furniture move, hearing strange knocking sounds, and even listening to 11-year-old Janet Hodgson speak in a deep, guttural voice claiming to be the ghost of a man named Bill Wilkins. Recordings of her alleged possession still circulate today.

But was it real? The case attracted the attention of the Society for Psychical Research, leading to months of investigations. While some incidents remain unexplained, Janet later admitted that she and her sister faked parts of the activity—“about 2%,” she claimed. Skeptics argue that if they faked some events, they could have faked all of it.

Ghosts, Hoaxes, and the Power of Suggestion
The Enfield case sits at the crossroads of belief and skepticism. On one side, there are eyewitness accounts and unsettling recordings. On the other, there’s media sensationalism, the pressure to perform for investigators, and the psychological effects of a family in crisis. Nearly half a century later, the debate rages on: Was Enfield a genuine haunting or a carefully crafted illusion?

Final Thoughts
Whether you see The Conjuring 2 as a terrifying ghost story or a slick Hollywood fabrication, there’s no denying that the Enfield case continues to capture imaginations.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—was the Enfield Poltergeist real, a hoax, or something in between? Let’s talk about it!

Links:

The Hebron Horror!

Ghost Village Interview with Ed Warren

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Adam Charles

Adam Charles has written for Walt Disney Television, Amblin Entertainment, and more. Over the years he has crossed paths with so many media personalities, he’s come to think of himself as the Forrest Gump of the film industry.