The Conjuring: Last Rites was recently released in theaters on Sept. 5, 2025. It has captured the attention of many longtime fans of this horror franchise. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film sheds light and adds some drama to the infamous Smurl haunting case that occurred between 1974 and 1989. The movie focuses on Ed and Lorraine Warren, along with their daughter, Judy, and her husband, Tony, and their interaction with the Smurl family.
Something that stood out to me about Last Rites compared to the previous movies was its ability to blend horror and genuine emotion from its viewers. There has been some criticism that the pacing of the movie was slower than the previous movies but that added to the overall suspense and emotion of the movie. The film didn’t need to solely rely on jump scares or dramatic effects to capture the audience’s attention. The director was able to include the heightened tension that took the viewers on an emotional journey, both heartbreaking and terrifying. There was an uneasiness that allowed for the audience to be fully immersed in into the horror without losing the plot or storyline.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson played the roles of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the chemistry and emotion that they are able to convey with each other definitely did not go unnoticed. Many critics have pointed out that there is an emotional weight that is added to Last Rites because of the family-centered focus that the directors explored in this film. It highlighted how the Warrens’ lifestyle and work shaped Judy’s life and gave a different narrative shift that wouldn’t have been possible before. This gave the movie a sense of closure at the end with them reflecting on all of their past major cases with Judy. Even though this is the end of the Conjuring franchise with Ed and Lorraine Warren, the potential of them taking on a new direction and branching out from this plot has excited many longtime viewers.
An important and strong aspect included in Last Rites was its visual style and the gloomy, inescapable atmosphere it creates. The cinematography was muted in color and used tight, almost uncomfortable and claustrophobic framing. This made me empathize even more with the Smurl family because you felt trapped in their home with them.
The unsettling sounds created by all of their creative choices built the anticipation and dread that the characters were feeling and draws the viewer in even more. There was no need to rely solely on sudden and loud noises because you had already felt the horror throughout the plot. Both styles made the supernatural presence feel realistic and constant. This viewer was almost waiting for it to be over so she could take a breath.
The film served not only as another addition to this horror franchise but also a conclusion that made this reviewer feel content. Last Rites balances emotion and horror that left the audience with a more personal and haunting heartache.
