The Conjuring universe has always thrived on more than just its scares. At its heart, it has been a saga about love, faith, and resilience, embodied in the enduring partnership of Ed and Lorraine Warren. With The Conjuring: Last Rites, director Michael Chaves crafts a chilling yet emotional conclusion that feels like a proper swan song for the couple — one that balances genuinely terrifying sequences with heartfelt storytelling.
From its gripping opening in 1964, involving a cursed mirror and Lorraine’s harrowing brush with tragedy during pregnancy, the film makes clear that this case is unlike any other. The mirror, central to the Smurl haunting in 1986, becomes both a literal and symbolic reminder of the darkness the Warrens have faced throughout their lives. But the true emotional hook is Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson), now grown up and grappling with her own inherited psychic abilities while navigating her relationship with Tony (Ben Hardy).
The film’s strength lies in its ability to fuse supernatural dread with grounded humanity. Chaves doesn’t overload the story with cheap thrills; instead, he carefully builds tension, allowing both expected and shocking scares to land with force. What elevates it further is how seamlessly the horror is interwoven with the Warren family’s dynamics. Judy’s arc not only deepens the mythology but also reframes the question at the franchise’s core: how long can love and duty withstand a relentless confrontation with evil?
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again anchor the film with their trademark chemistry. Their performances carry an authenticity and emotional weight that transcends the genre, making us feel invested in their journey as much as the supernatural threat they face. Tomlinson is a revelation, embodying Judy with vulnerability and strength, while Hardy provides levity without undermining the tension.
While not the franchise’s scariest outing, Last Rites succeeds in being it's most emotionally resonant. It slows in parts, particularly with Tony’s late introduction. Still, the narrative always circles back to its emotional core: the Warrens’ bond as partners, parents, and believers in something greater than themselves.
👍 What Works
• A Proper Farewell: Chaves crafts a swan song that feels both terrifying and tender.
• Performances: Wilson and Farmiga are at the top of their game, while Tomlinson shines as Judy.
• Scares with Substance: The film mixes jump scares with emotional resonance, keeping the audience invested in both terror and family.
• Closure: Unlike many horror finales, this one gives a satisfying sense of completion.
👎 What Doesn’t
• Pacing Issues: The narrative lags slightly after the hour mark before regaining momentum.
• Tony’s Introduction: Ben Hardy does well, but his late entry distracts from the core Warren-family drama.
• Not the Scariest: Longtime fans expecting sleepless nights may find it less frightening than earlier entries.
Comparison with previous movies in the franchise:
| Film | Scare Factor 😱 | Emotional Core ❤️ | Overall Impact 🌟 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring (2013) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| The Conjuring 2 (2016) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Overall, The Conjuring: Last Rites may not rob you of sleep like its predecessors, but it delivers something far rarer in horror — closure. By fusing its jump scares with a tender, bittersweet farewell to the Warrens, Michael Chaves proves that horror doesn’t just have to terrify; it can also move you. This isn’t just the end of a franchise — it’s a haunting love letter to the couple who made us believe in both evil and everlasting love.
Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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