The Conjuring: Last Rites Movie Review: A Terrifying Yet Poignant Farewell to the Warrens’ LegacyThe Conjuring: Last Rites, released on September 5, 2025, marks the chilling finale of the mainline Conjuring series, concluding a franchise that redefined modern horror since its 2013 debut. Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by James Wan and Peter Safran, this ninth installment of the Conjuring Universe brings back Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for their final case. Rooted in the real-life Smurl family haunting, the film delivers a blend of supernatural terror, emotional depth, and a return to the haunted house roots that made the series iconic. With a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes and an R-rating for “bloody/violent content and terror,” it promises a gory, heart-pounding send-off. Does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Plot and SettingSet in 1986 West Pittston, Pennsylvania, The Conjuring: Last Rites follows Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle the Smurl family haunting, one of their final major investigations before Ed’s death in 2006. The Smurl family—Jack, Janet, and their children—face relentless torment from a demonic entity in their home, experiencing violent disturbances, apparitions, and psychological strain. The Warrens, joined by their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony Spera (Ben Hardy), arrive to confront a malevolent force that feels more personal and sinister than ever. The narrative weaves real-life case details with cinematic flair, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the toll of a lifetime spent battling evil. Filmed in atmospheric locations like Knebworth, Hertfordshire, the film’s setting evokes a claustrophobic, eerie ambiance, amplified by shadowy visuals and a palpable sense of dread.The story balances the Warrens’ investigation with their personal struggles, particularly Ed’s health and Lorraine’s emotional burden as a clairvoyant. A subplot involving Judy and Tony adds a fresh dynamic, though it occasionally feels like a setup for future spin-offs. While the plot remains under wraps to avoid spoilers, the teaser trailer’s haunting voice-overs and glimpses of a demon-possessed house hint at a case that hits closer to home for the Warrens, making this their most emotionally charged mission yet.PerformancesVera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson deliver powerhouse performances as Lorraine and Ed Warren, cementing their status as the heart of the franchise. Farmiga’s portrayal of Lorraine is both vulnerable and resolute, capturing the weight of her clairvoyant gift with nuanced expressions and quiet strength. Wilson’s Ed is a compelling mix of stoic determination and fragility, with his declining health adding a poignant layer to his heroism. Their chemistry remains the film’s emotional anchor, grounding the supernatural terror in a relatable love story. Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, as Judy and Tony, bring youthful energy but struggle to match the leads’ gravitas, with their arcs feeling underdeveloped. Supporting players like Steve Coulter as Father Gordon and Shannon Kook add depth, though some ensemble roles feel like fan-service cameos. The performances elevate the film, particularly in quieter moments that highlight the Warrens’ sacrifices.Direction and Technical CraftMichael Chaves, returning from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II, delivers a visually striking film that returns to the haunted house aesthetic of the original Conjuring. His direction emphasizes atmospheric tension over cheap jump scares, though some Reddit users criticize the reliance on loud sound cues. The screenplay, reworked by Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing from David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick’s draft, balances horror with emotional beats but occasionally stumbles with expository dialogue. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score, replacing Joseph Bishara’s iconic work, is haunting yet less memorable, missing the eerie edge of earlier films.Cinematography by Don Burgess and production design create a suffocating, gothic atmosphere, with the Smurl house feeling like a character itself. The VFX, while improved from The Devil Made Me Do It, have minor inconsistencies in demon designs, with some social media posts calling them “goofy.” Still, the film’s R-rated gore and violent sequences, like a chilling attic confrontation, deliver the visceral terror fans expect.Reception and Box OfficeReviews are mixed but lean positive. Rotten Tomatoes highlights its thrilling scares and emotional farewell, though some critics note it doesn’t surpass the first two films’ brilliance. On Reddit’s r/horror, fans praise the return to haunted house roots but lament the third film’s weaker legacy, with some skeptical of Chaves’ direction. Audience reactions on X are enthusiastic, with posts calling it “a worthy send-off” and praising Farmiga and Wilson. Box office projections estimate a $35M–$40M opening, strong for a post-Labor Day release, potentially outpacing The Nun II’s $32.6M debut. The film’s multi-language release (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu) and IMAX screenings boost its global appeal.Strengths and WeaknessesThe Conjuring: Last Rites shines in its emotional depth, with the Warrens’ final case serving as a metaphor for their legacy of faith and resilience. The haunted house setting recaptures the franchise’s early magic, and Farmiga and Wilson’s performances are a triumph. The film’s exploration of the Smurl haunting feels authentic, grounded in real-life accounts. However, the plot occasionally feels formulaic, leaning on familiar Conjuring tropes like possessed objects and exorcisms. The supporting cast’s arcs, particularly Judy and Tony’s, feel underdeveloped, and some dialogue lacks the polish of James Wan’s earlier entries. Pacing issues in the second act and inconsistent VFX slightly mar the experience, with some fans on Reddit calling it “not as scary” as the first two films.Final VerdictThe Conjuring: Last Rites is a chilling, heartfelt conclusion to the Warrens’ saga, blending supernatural horror with a poignant farewell to two of cinema’s most beloved paranormal investigators. While it doesn’t reach the heights of The Conjuring or The Conjuring 2, it surpasses the uneven third installment, offering a return to the franchise’s haunted house roots. Farmiga and Wilson carry the film with grace, and Chaves’ direction delivers enough scares to satisfy fans, despite minor flaws. Perfect for horror aficionados and Conjuring devotees, it’s a must-watch in theaters for its IMAX visuals and emotional weight. As the final chapter, it leaves a lasting legacy, though the door remains open for Conjuring Universe spin-offs.
Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5