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The Conjuring: Last Rites closes the long-running horror series with both scares and emotions. The movie promises the Warrens’ finale but does not deliver the chilling impact fans expect throughout the screening.
The story takes place in 1986 and uses the real Smurl haunting as inspiration. Trouble starts when Heather Smurl receives a mysterious old mirror. Soon, her family faces collapsing ceilings, frightening visions, and even strange physical attacks. The cursed mirror becomes the heart of the terror, yet it takes a long time before the Warrens step into the story.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their charm and chemistry remain strong, a reason why their audience has stuck behind them all these years.
The film also gives attention to Judy, their daughter, played by Mia Tomlinson, who struggles with her own inherited and uncontrollable psychic powers. Judy's scenes give some emotional weight to the picture, especially when the visions overwhelm her.
Director Michael Chaves creates some striking horror moments. A basement sequence filled with shadows and an axe-wielding spirit is one of the most effective scenes. A chilling Annabelle cameo adds to the atmosphere. The film’s ‘80s look and eerie score by Benjamin Wallfisch add depth to the scares.
However, the pacing weakens the movie. For more than an hour, the Warrens stay away from the Smurl case. This splits the film into two stories and makes the reunion feel delayed. As a result, the early energy fades and tension drops.
Conjuring Last Rites reviews offer a mixed reaction. Many suggest that the film works better as a family drama than a pure horror film. Although there are intense visual effects coupled with moving moments, the jump scares seem comparatively duller than those of the older Conjuring films. Some even describe the film as being too familiar and too predictable, almost banking on nostalgia rather than original ideas.
However, the emotional aspect truly leaves its impact. The final act focuses on family bonds, sacrifice, and legacy, providing a heartfelt goodbye to the Warrens. The emotional closure of the storyline was something James Wan, who initiated the franchise, stated was always the number one priority.
Conjuring Last Rites may not be the scariest entry, but it gives fans a sentimental farewell. It mixes classic haunted house chills with an emotional send-off, closing the chapter on Ed and Lorraine’s cinematic journey.
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