The Conjuring Last Rites Trailer, Fun Facts & Review

The Conjuring Last Rites Synopsis:

This chapter is based on the true story of the Smurl family haunting in 1986. After taking a semi-retirement break due to Ed's health issues, the Warrens find themselves drawn into a frightening case that involves a violent demonic presence tormenting a Pennsylvania family. The movie is set to deliver a powerful and emotional ending to the Warrens’ journey, showcasing their sacrifices and featuring their grown-up daughter, Judy, who plays a significant role in this final chapter.

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery

Release Date: In theaters September 5th, 2025

The Conjuring Last Rites Fun Facts:

Based on a Real Case:
The movie is based on the supposed haunting of the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, which took place in 1986. The Smurls reported being terrorized by a malevolent force, encountering various frightening phenomena, including unusual smells and sounds, items being hurled, and reports of physical and sexual assaults.

Returning Cast:
Beloved actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return for their last significant installment in the Conjuring series, playing the renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

"Last Rites" Final Encounter:
The title "Last Rites" clearly hints at the end of the Warrens' journey. The movie features their last significant investigation, connecting to real events related to Ed Warren's declining health. The movie is anticipated to dive deep into the exploration of this final encounter.

Warren' Daughter's Significant Role:
Mia Tomlinson will play a grown-up Judy Warren, the daughter of Ed and Lorraine, who will play a significant role in the storyline of "Last Rites." In real life, Judy Warren and her spouse, Tony Spera (played by Ben Hardy), took over the Warrens' paranormal investigation after they retired, and both make brief appearances in the movie.

New Director:
The first two Conjuring series were directed by James Wan. "Last Rites" is directed by Michael Chaves, who also directed "The Devil Made Me Do It." The story is co-authored by James Wan and Johnson-McGoldrick.

Source: youtube

The Conjuring Last Rites Review:

On the first weekend, The Conjuring Last Rites premiered with a remarkable domestic gross of $83 million and a worldwide opening of $187 million. This outstanding achievement has further solidified a long-standing box office record for Warner Bros., proving that the franchise remains very popular with viewers.

In this concluding installment of the main series, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren for a final, chilling investigation—and although it has its shortcomings, it offers a strong, heartfelt farewell that numerous fans may consider an ideal farewell performance.

Last Rites, directed by Michael Chaves, focuses on the notorious Smurl haunting, a story that offers a dark and disturbing backdrop. The initial scenes of the film are a perfect example of creating a tense atmosphere. Chaves carefully crafts an overwhelming feeling of discomfort, utilizing subtle frights and bone-chilling sound design that highlights why the franchise became so successful in the horror genre.

The essence of the movie, as it has always been, lies in the unmistakable connection between Wilson and Farmiga. Their representation of Ed and Lorraine has always kept the series grounded, and in this concluding installment, their performances resonate more deeply than before. The screenplay provides ample opportunity to dive deeper into their emotional and spiritual fatigue. You can sense the burden of each previous case that they carry, and their quiet moments of love and support are just as captivating as the encounters with the supernatural.

Noticeable problems in the second half of the film, in which the truly frightening, subtle scenes are replaced by a chaotic, special effects-filled climax of jump scares. Although these scenes work on their own, they do not have the slow-building tension that made the opening part so effective. Some reviewers have noted this as a missed opportunity, indicating the series is moving away from psychological horror towards a more visual entertainment style.

Despite this, the movie's ending is both shocking and deeply satisfying. The Conjuring Last Rites is more than a horror film; it honors the characters who have led viewers through a decade of movie thrills. It serves as an emotional and, at times, heartbreaking farewell to Ed and Lorraine Warren. Although the franchise may continue in some way, this is definitely the last installment for the pair, and it gives them a memorable and emotional send-off.