In 2013, the horror film “The Conjuring” made waves in cinemas with its gripping portrayal of a family’s haunting experience, reportedly based on real events. The story revolves around the Perron family, who faced supernatural disturbances in their Rhode Island home during the 1970s. The film not only established its place within a lucrative franchise but also turned its real-life inspirations into household names.
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The film features the characters of Roger and Carolyn Perron, played by Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor, who attempt to safeguard their five daughters from malevolent spirits. Their desperate call for assistance leads them to the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The couple attributes the haunting to a spirit named Bathsheba Sherman, believed to have cursed the family.
While the film incorporates elements based on the family’s experiences, it remains largely fictionalized. Andrea Perron, one of the daughters, has spoken openly about the film’s liberties, stating, “Even though *The Conjuring* is an excellent film for what it is, it’s about 95% fiction and about 5% hard truth.” This perspective raises questions about the line between dramatic storytelling and the reality faced by the Perrons, who resided in the house from 1971 to 1980.
The experience of the Perron family was marked by eerie encounters, as Andrea recalls various interactions with spirits. These ranged from friendly communications to unsettling manifestations. It became apparent that they were not just figments of imagination but entities that had made their presence felt in their home. The family notably contacted the Warrens in 1973 for assistance after enduring years of hauntings, which Lorraine Warren asserts she sensed upon entering the property.
With the help of the Warrens, the Perrons attempted to communicate with the spirits during a séance, an aspect depicted in the film. Andrea has claimed to have witnessed her mother undergoing a profound transformation during this session, allegedly speaking in an unfamiliar voice and demonstrating unusual behaviours, including levitating. The Perrons ultimately decided to leave the haunted house in 1980, after Carolyn reportedly expressed her inability to endure another winter in what had become a source of distress.
In later years, researchers have scrutinised the historical figures involved in the haunting, particularly Bathsheba Sherman. Historical accounts have led Andrea to reconsider the identity of the spirit tormenting them, suggesting that Bathsheba may have been unjustly vilified. “Essentially, Bathsheba copped the blame for everything evil, and it simply wasn’t the case,” she reflected, pointing to a complex narrative behind the haunting.
The original Perron household consisted of Roger and Carolyn and their five daughters: Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April. During the years of the alleged hauntings, Roger, who worked as a travelling jewellery salesman, was often away from home, making him less exposed to the experiences that plagued his family. Despite his initial scepticism, later in life, Roger acknowledged his wife’s concerns about their home.
The Warrens, self-styled paranormal investigators pivotal to the story, gained notoriety for their involvement in several high-profile hauntings, including the infamous Amityville case. Their claims, however, have attracted critics who argue that their methods were inflated with sensationalism. The legacy of their investigations continues to influence popular culture, with artefacts connected to their work being exhibited in a Connecticut museum, including the haunted Annabelle doll.
Following their experiences in the Rhode Island farmhouse, the Perron family relocated to Georgia in 1980. Each family member has had varied encounters with the supernatural, but Andrea describes maintaining a rapport with the spirits, despite moments of fear stemming from the experiences of her family, particularly her mother. Tragically, the family faced further hardship when April, the youngest daughter, passed away in 2017 due to an accidental prescription overdose.
The striking farmhouse at the heart of the tale remains a point of fascination. Built in 1736, it became a tourist attraction after the film’s release. It was sold for $1.5 million in 2022, reflecting the film’s impact on its history. Currently, it is undergoing restoration and does not affiliate with any film studios.
Today, Andrea remains actively involved in the paranormal community and often participates in media related to her family’s past. She, alongside her sisters and father, ventured back to their former home for a live-streamed event to communicate with the spirits they once encountered. While the family remains largely out of the public eye, they occasionally engage with their past.
Roger Perron, a U.S. Navy veteran, passed away in 2026 at the age of 90, leaving behind a lasting legacy and a family that continues to navigate the mysteries of their past. His obituary highlighted his dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals in Florida, showcasing a life dedicated to helping others, even after experiencing profound personal trials.