The Conjuring: Last Rites Review – A Finale Lacking Boldness

The Conjuring: Last Rites marks the latest installment in the long-running horror franchise chronicling the investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Despite anticipation for a climactic conclusion to the Warrens’ story, this 135-minute film delivers a mixed experience—energetic and bloodier than its predecessors, yet ultimately lacking the signature style and memorable impact expected of a final chapter.

Introduction: Revisiting the Warrens’ Haunting Journey

In the prologue set in the 1960s, the evil entity that haunted the Warrens returns, first seen frightening Lorraine Warren decades ago, signaling its ominous comeback. This dark force reemerges through a haunted mirror passed down to a Pennsylvania family, the Smurls, who experience terrifying supernatural events. As events escalate, the Warrens are drawn back into a perilous battle against this malevolent presence.

After the surprising legal drama focus in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Last Rites returns to traditional haunted house horror tropes, emphasizing frantic scares over subtle chills.

Frantic Frights and Atmosphere

Director Michael Chaves, known for his work on The Nun 2 and The Curse of La Llorona, employs a series of intense jump scares involving classic haunted house motifs such as eerie telephone cords and possessed dolls.

• Effective moments include blood-curdling scenes with vivid visions and physical manifestations like levitating dolls and glass shards.
• However, the film employs heavy CGI and borrows heavily from previous franchise moments and other horror films like Oculus, resulting in a somewhat derivative feel.
• The frantic pace keeps the runtime feeling brisk but sacrifices building atmospheric dread.

In comparison, James Wan’s early direction focused on mood and suspense, letting scenes linger to create unease—a quality that is diminished here. Instead, Last Rites opts for louder, bloodier “in-your-face” scares reminiscent of movies like Insidious and Evil Dead.

The Warren Family at the Forefront

Unlike its predecessor’s peripheral treatment of the Warrens, this installment brings Ed and Lorraine back to the emotional and narrative center, spotlighting their family and psychic daughter Judy.

• The film explores traumatic memories from Judy’s childhood, adding emotional layers tied to the Warren family’s personal struggles.
• Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles with mature chemistry, portraying a seasoned couple facing supernatural challenges while managing family dynamics.
• However, some characterizations falter—Ed Warren, for example, is depicted with an awkward, bumbling demeanor divergent from his established persona.
• Secondary characters like Heather’s family receive limited development, which weakens the stakes associated with their haunting.

Critique: A Familiar Yet Unremarkable Farewell

The Conjuring: Last Rites commits what many consider the ultimate disservice to a franchise finale by not pushing creative boundaries or leaving a truly memorable impression. Despite solid acting and high-energy scenes, the movie often feels like a retread of familiar horror clichés.

Its inconsistent tone swings between horror and occasional self-aware humor, undermining both scares and emotional resonance. The frequent nods to franchise tropes and MCU-style cameos risk distancing viewers seeking fresh storytelling.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros:

• Steady performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson keep the Warrens engaging.
• Refocusing on the Warrens appeals to fans disappointed by previous installment’s direction.
• Fast-paced narrative ensures the lengthy runtime does not drag.

Cons:

• Feels like repetition of well-worn haunted house plots.
• Lacks the franchise’s signature visual style and atmospheric suspense.
• Inconsistencies in tone, including humorous moments, detract from emotional and horror impact.

Contextualizing with Franchise and Audience Expectations

The Conjuring Universe has long been lauded for its blend of real-life paranormal investigations with eerie cinematic storytelling. According to Box Office Mojo, the franchise has grossed over $1 billion globally, reflecting its strong fanbase and cultural impact.

However, the shift towards more overt action and spectacle in recent installments mirrors trends in horror where jump scares dominate but may sacrifice narrative depth. Research into contemporary horror film reception (Journal of Popular Film and Television, 2023) suggests audiences increasingly seek innovative storytelling and atmosphere over formulaic scares.

Moreover, the franchise’s emphasis on familial bonds and emotional stakes aligns with horror scholars highlighting the genre’s power to explore complex human relationships under duress.

Conclusion: A Serviceable but Underwhelming Finale

While offering some thrilling moments and respectable performances, The Conjuring: Last Rites ultimately fails to deliver a bold or memorable conclusion to the Warrens’ legacy. Its reliance on familiar haunted house elements and inconsistent tone dilute the impact expected from a final chapter in such a beloved series.

For horror fans and franchise followers, it remains a watchable film. Yet, it reminds us of the challenges long-running series face in balancing fan service with creative evolution.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strong Leads: Farmiga and Wilson offer compelling portrayals that anchor the film emotionally.
2. Return to Horror Roots: The movie revives traditional haunted house scares after the procedural focus of its predecessor.
3. Derivative Elements: Heavy borrowing from earlier franchise moments and similar horror films limits originality.
4. Tonality Issues: The mix of horror and humor disrupts emotional engagement and chills.
5. Franchise Impact: Demonstrates the difficulties in culminating a long-running horror saga with fresh creativity.

The Conjuring: Last Rites was released on September 5, 2025. It will be remembered as a frenetic, if unspectacular, farewell to the Warrens’ story on the big screen.