After returning from New York, Matthew paid close attention to the current feminist movement and social climate. He confirmed that the timing was favorable, with a high probability of completely toppling Harvey Weinstein. Of course, success could never be guaranteed.
Matthew gathered Amanda, Helen Herman, and David Ellison for several days of discussions at the Angel Agency. They meticulously crafted detailed plans and contingency strategies, prepared to adapt them as circumstances evolved.
After all, society's dynamics were constantly shifting, and the plan needed to align with real-time conditions.
The chosen timeframe for action was just after the New Year. This period marked the critical peak of awards season, during which Harvey Weinstein had traditionally been one of Hollywood's most active figures. It was the perfect moment to strike a decisive blow.
The entire endeavor—from its initial conception to evidence collection and driving a wedge between the Weinstein brothers—had taken years. Matthew, like a patient hunter, had been waiting for the perfect moment to deliver the fatal strike.
"I feel like you're planning something big," Margot Robbie remarked curiously as they drove.
Matthew adjusted his tie and smiled. "I am, indeed. A major event." Sensing her curiosity, he wagged a finger playfully. "But it's not the time to tell you yet."
"You're just making me more curious," Margot replied, her interest piqued.
Matthew spread his hands. "Margot, you know I'm no saint. I'm always up to no good. Best if you don't know about this one."
Margot nodded, showing understanding. "If the pressure gets too much, remember I'm always here to listen."
Though curious, she suppressed her questions when Matthew didn't elaborate.
"Enough about that," Matthew said, taking her hand. "Let's focus on how we'll handle the reporters later."
They were on their way to the premiere of The Conjuring. This was their first public appearance as a couple since getting together.
Margot appeared at ease. "I've thought about it. We'll just act naturally, like always, and ignore the reporters."
Matthew was intrigued. "You seem pretty calm about it."
"I remember you saying during American Sniper that showing off relationships leads to quick breakups, right?" Margot said confidently. "I looked it up. Hollywood's most high-profile couples tend to split the fastest."
Her reasoning was sound, and Matthew wholeheartedly agreed. So, when they walked the red carpet at The Conjuring premiere, they simply linked arms and moved swiftly through to the media zone. Despite shouts from reporters asking for affectionate poses, they paid no attention.
Even when Matthew, as the film's producer, entered the interview area to speak with reporters, Margot didn't join him. Instead, she headed straight into the theater.
Matthew brushed off questions about his relationship with Margot, focusing solely on the film. "This will be one of the scariest movies ever," he said, "because it's based on real-world events. James Wan has truly outdone himself."
Nearby, James Wan was also being interviewed. "This film differs from my earlier works," he explained. "I used a very traditional horror style to make it feel like a 1970s movie. The music is also classic, using the standard eerie tones of horror films. My goal was to create a timeless, classic horror film."
Matthew echoed the sentiment, tossing in remarks about its "true story" origins, and then left the interview area.
Inside the theater, Matthew headed to the VIP lounge. Before spotting Margot, he was approached by Mackenzie Foy, who greeted him politely.
"Too bad I can't watch the movie. I have to leave soon," Mackenzie said regretfully.
The film's R rating meant she couldn't stay for the screening.
Matthew patted her shoulder gently. "I'll make sure you get a copy later, but only if you promise to watch it with your parents."
Mackenzie solemnly promised, "I swear!"
She was an adorable and charming girl. Helen Herman, her agent, had already discussed with Matthew the possibility of prioritizing her for roles involving young girls in future projects.
Meanwhile, Margot was chatting with Nicolas Cage when she noticed Matthew speaking with a little girl. Soon after, a tall, beautiful woman approached him. Margot recognized her: Amber Heard, someone Matthew had once described as a particularly "enthusiastic" woman.
Watching Matthew and Amber engage in a hushed conversation, Margot sighed quietly. Ever since returning to Los Angeles from Europe, she'd seen similar scenarios often. It was rare to attend a Hollywood event and not spot at least one actress or model who'd been romantically linked to Matthew.
Fortunately, Matthew's interactions with them never went beyond a brief exchange of words.
Margot reflected on her own composure. Perhaps the moment she stepped off the plane, she'd already anticipated this dynamic and mentally prepared herself.
She frequently reminded herself to focus on the present and look ahead. After all, Matthew had been making a concerted effort to keep his promises recently.
"Harvey Weinstein is getting impatient," Amber murmured to Matthew, keeping her voice low. "He wants me to increase the dosage and bring you down faster."
She leaned closer, her voice almost inaudible. "He also wants me to capture more compromising material to frame you."
Matthew nodded slightly. "Keep stalling him. It won't be much longer."
"Really?" Amber's eyes widened.
Matthew whispered back, "Study the protagonist in that novel more closely. The project starts production next year, and you're the guaranteed lead."
Amber's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'll reread it ten times before filming starts."
The novel's bold content ensured the adaptation would be equally provocative. Its massive popularity guaranteed significant attention, and with Matthew's backing, Amber envisioned herself becoming a sensation, much like Margot Robbie had before The Wolf of Wall Street even premiered.
Any risqué scenes? Not a problem for her. Compared to some of her private escapades with Matthew, those scenes were trivial.
After a few more words, Matthew checked the time and found Margot. Together, they entered the screening room.
The Conjuring unfolded its terrifying tale.
The film was a classic haunted house horror story. Haunted houses and exorcisms, the twin pillars of horror, had enduring appeal. The haunted house trope easily segued into possession stories, drawing audiences effortlessly.
To emphasize the "true story" angle, the film opened with a brief segment about the supposedly real "Annabelle" doll, which set the stage for the rest of the fictional story. The Annabelle segment lent a veneer of authenticity to the otherwise fabricated narrative.
Set in the 1970s, the film followed Roger and Carolyn Perron and their five daughters as they moved into a historic but eerie old farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island. Their idyllic rural life was soon disrupted by increasingly bizarre and terrifying events. Desperate, they turned to the renowned paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Ed, recognized by the Catholic Church as a demonologist, and Lorraine, a clairvoyant, quickly identified the sinister force haunting the house. However, before gaining the Church's permission for an exorcism, they had to gather conclusive evidence of the malevolent presence.
The film exuded a retro charm. It avoided gore, plot twists, and cheap jump scares. Even the ghostly appearances were intentionally vague, relying instead on darkness, claustrophobic spaces, and sound design to heighten the terror. The result was an authentic 1970s aesthetic.
The movie also laid the groundwork for a larger horror universe, with prominent nods to the Annabelle doll and a mysterious music box.
As the audience's gasps and screams filled the theater, Matthew was convinced. James Wan had created something remarkable. He decided to keep Wan involved in the growing horror universe for longer. Blood and gore weren't necessary; clever storytelling, psychological terror, and atmospheric tension were the true hallmarks of success.
From The Conjuring, it was clear that James Wan had mastered the craft of pure, spine-chilling horror, delivering a standout piece from such a young director.
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