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The Conjuring: Last Rites – A Chilling Farewell to the Warrens

 


Note: This review contains mild spoilers about the film’s general plot, themes, and ending tone. Major twists and surprises are not revealed.

A Dark Theater, a Nervous Crowd

Official poster for The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
The theater was hushed, the kind of silence only a horror movie can command. The lights dimmed, the familiar strings of ominous music began, and suddenly the first “jump out of your seat” scare hit. People gasped, a few laughed nervously, and just like that, The Conjuring: Last Rites pulled us back into the world of Ed and Lorraine Warren one last time.

As a fan of the series from the beginning, I walked in with high expectations and a little bit of bittersweet anticipation. This was marketed as the final outing for the Warrens, and while no Conjuring film has ever been flawless, this one gave me exactly what I came for: atmospheric chills, strong performances, and a story that still made me grip my armrest.

What the Movie Is About (Non-Spoiler)

The Conjuring: Last Rites (directed by Michael Chaves) is loosely based on the infamous Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania, where a family claimed they were terrorized by a demonic presence for over a decade. In typical Conjuring fashion, the film takes the historical haunting and amplifies it into a supernatural showdown.

The Warrens — once again portrayed by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson — step into the case after the family reports escalating attacks tied to a haunted mirror. What follows is a mix of family drama, demonic manifestations, and the signature blend of faith, fear, and paranormal spectacle the franchise has become known for.

Strengths: Why It Works

1. The Performances
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson have carried this franchise for over a decade, and they remain its greatest strength. Farmiga’s quiet intensity as Lorraine — torn between compassion and fear — feels just as powerful as it did in the original. Wilson brings both gravitas and vulnerability to Ed, especially in moments that remind us that even the strongest demonologist is still human.

The supporting cast, playing the afflicted Smurl family, also did a commendable job. Their fear felt authentic, and that believability is what makes the horror land harder.

2. The Scares
Yes, the tropes are familiar — haunted mirrors, demonic shadows, levitations — but when they’re done right, they still deliver. There were at least two moments that had the whole theater gasp, followed by nervous laughter. Those well-timed jump scares remind us why this series has remained the gold standard for mainstream horror.

3. The Emotional Core
The Warrens’ relationship again provides the heart of the story. There’s a fragility to Ed this time, and a weariness to Lorraine. The film acknowledges the toll their calling has taken, making the scares feel bigger because the stakes aren’t just supernatural — they’re personal.

Weaknesses: Where It Stumbles

1. The Villain
Compared to Valak (The Nun) or Bathsheba from the first film, the demonic force here feels… generic. Its design is unsettling but not iconic, and in a final chapter, that’s a missed opportunity. The Conjuring villains are often as memorable as the scares themselves — this one, unfortunately, fades faster.

2. The Rushed Ending
The title Last Rites suggests solemnity and closure. Instead, the finale feels like a sprint — a flurry of faith, fear, and CGI that’s over almost as soon as it begins. It lands emotionally, yes, but it doesn’t feel fully earned.

3. Familiar Territory
For die-hard fans, the beats are recognizable: cursed object, family under siege, priestly intervention, climactic showdown. It works, but it doesn’t surprise.

Spoiler Section: Deeper Thoughts on the Plot and Ending

The Demonic Force
The haunted mirror is a chilling centerpiece, but the spirit tied to it never quite evolves into something as memorable as Valak or Bathsheba. We get a few creepy designs, shadowy reveals, and aggressive attacks, but little that sticks after the credits roll. In a franchise known for birthing spin-off villains, this feels like a missed opportunity.

The Rushed Ending
Without spoiling exact beats, the climax crams together revelations, possessions, and a faith-driven exorcism in rapid succession. Compared to the slow-burn terror of the first two films, this confrontation ends far too quickly. Still, there’s poignancy in how Ed and Lorraine confront the darkness together — weary but unbroken, partners until the end.

“Last Rites” as a Theme
The title works thematically. Just as last rites in Catholic tradition prepare a soul for death, the film feels like a preparation for farewell. It acknowledges the sacrifices Ed and Lorraine have made, and even though the execution feels rushed, there’s a sense of finality. The Warrens have fought their last battle, and this is their send-off.

How It Compares to the Other Conjuring Films

  • The Conjuring (2013): Still the crown jewel — tightly paced, terrifying, and fresh.

  • The Conjuring 2 (2016): Expanded the universe with Valak, balanced emotion and scares beautifully.

  • The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): Weaker; shifted more into courtroom drama than pure horror.

  • The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025): Not the best, not the worst. Stronger than the third entry, not as iconic as the first two. But as a farewell, it’s satisfying enough.

Audience Fit

  • Fans of the franchise: Will appreciate the callbacks, performances, and emotional weight.

  • Casual horror fans: Plenty of scares, but the predictability may dull the edge.

  • Newcomers: Might find it a little slow and drawn out. The atmosphere works, but without the history of the first two films, the emotional send-off won’t hit as hard.

Scare Meter

  • Jump Scares: Frequent and effective.

  • Atmosphere: Strong use of sound and shadow.

  • Disturbing Imagery: Moderate — creepy, not grotesque.

  • Overall Fear Factor: 7.5/10

Final Thoughts

The Conjuring: Last Rites may not be the scariest or most original film in the series, but as a fan, I walked out satisfied. It delivered those jolting scares and heartfelt performances that reminded me why I cared about the Warrens in the first place. If this is truly their last cinematic case, it’s an imperfect but fitting farewell. For those of us who have followed them for over a decade, this send-off is exactly what we needed.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars


Explore More From the Conjuring Universe

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