Directed by Michael Chavez
“The Conjuring” franchise has terrified audiences for more than a decade, and its final chapter, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” arrives as both a haunting farewell and a heartfelt tribute to the central characters Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Directed by Michael Chavez, the film attempts to strike a balance between supernatural horror and emotional drama —and largely succeeds in delivering a worthy send-off.
From the opening sequence, “Last Rites” establishes a chilling atmosphere that immerses viewers into the Warrens’ world of shadows, whispers, and restless spirits.
While the scares may not always reach the intensity of James Wan’s first two installments, Chavez manages to create a steady sense of dread through strong pacing, striking visuals, and an evocative score. The jump scares are familiar yet effective, supported by sound design that amplifies every creak and echo.
At the heart of the story are Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, whose portrayals of Lorraine and Ed have been the emotional anchor of the series since the beginning. In “Last Rites,” their chemistry shines brighter than ever, portraying a couple whose love and faith endure even as their strength falters with age.
Farmiga brings a quiet resilience to Lorraine, while Wilson’s Ed radiates warmth and determination. Together, they elevate the narrative beyond its horror roots, reminding audiences that this saga has always been as much about love as it is about fear.
The plot draws inspiration from the real-life Smurl family case, which in the film intertwines with the Warrens’ past through a sinister object. The first half of the film unfolds briskly, weaving between the Warrens’ later years and the escalating torment faced by the Smurls.
The second half, however, shifts into slower territory, focusing more on the Warrens’ family drama — an approach that, while heartfelt, occasionally dilutes the film’s tension and supernatural focus.
Despite these uneven moments, the film is elevated by its performances. Mia Tomlinson, portraying Judy Warren, delivers a strong presence, while Farmiga and Wilson once again prove why they are the franchise’s backbone.
Their bond becomes the emotional core of the finale, culminating in a bittersweet farewell that resonates beyond the jump scares.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” may not reach the relentless terror of its earliest scenes, but it offers a more mature, layered conclusion. It is both frightening and poignant, reminding us that the greatest battles against darkness are often fought within the human heart.
