The Conjuring: Last Rites Review
There have been so many horror franchises that some consider foundational to the genre and The Conjuring counts as one of them. Not only was this film series based on the real lives of Ed and Lorraine Warren, but it brought two icons into the mainstream: Annabelle the Doll and the demonic Nun. Despite its recent outing, 2021’s The Devil Made Me Do It, having a simultaneous release due to real life events, the James Wan-produced franchise still holds strong to this day. Although, all good things must come to an end, which proves true in The Conjuring: Last Rites.
As the final entry of the series, The Conjuring: Last Rites focuses on one of the last investigations of the Warrens’ lives. Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) have put their demon-hunting days aside, instead retiring to teach and share their knowledge with the next generation. For good or worse, this also includes their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson), who wants to be like her mother. However, when the Smurl family begins experiencing supernatural dangers, the Warrens are confronted to deal with their past or die by it.
Unlike the previous films, the film’s cold open tells us that it’s much more family-centric and personal to the Warrens as characters. Rather than just opening with Ed and Lorraine investigating a particular threat, they themselves are slowly thrown into the victim’s position. Their unassuming curiosity leads them into the birth of their daughter, Judy, who surprisingly has a much more important role to play here. Unlike her role as a passive character to be toyed around with by the demonic threats, Judy is much more direct, albeit still following in her mother’s footsteps.
This is because The Conjuring: Last Rites’ narrative is rooted deeply into generational influence and trauma. Lorraine doesn’t want Judy to deal with their supernatural situation because of that fear that she’ll lose her like she almost did when Judy was born. Instead, Lorraine wants Judy to “keep the demons out” as the film comes up with this little lullaby to soothe the viewers.
On the other hand, Ed is more focused on simply moving on for the sake of his physical health as the story doesn’t fully integrate this until later on. However, he also has to deal with Judy’s new boyfriend, Tony (Ben Hardy), who is essentially meant to be the “next” Ed. The few scenes we get between Ed and Tony are meant to be intimidating, but there’s this tell of respect that slightly emotionally dampens these moments.
As with any other Conjuring movie, this happens to coincide with the Smurls’ demonic encounters, which are treated similarly to how the Warrens’ other clients were. While the usual family conundrum of disbelief plays out, there are a few moments of tension that are carried by the cast’s performances. In particular, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, and Beau Gadsdon have their moments in the spotlight. Whether it be the eldest Smurl daughters trying to understand their danger to Jack and Janet facing their own crises, each actor really drives in the desperation and struggle that builds to a compelling emotional sum.
This truly shows in some of the more tension-building sequences with the demons as well as Lorraine and Judy’s own visions. It goes without saying that the set design and costuming are perfectly brought together to keep you on edge as to where the danger might linger. However, due to the threat not being individual in nature, it allows Chaves to go nearly all out with the jumpscares in Last Rites.
Of course, some of these scares are to be expected at certain points, particularly around the slow second act. These scares act for nostalgia-sake, as there are returning threats from the previous films that are simply meant for the viewer to catch on, particularly with Annabelle. However, they still leave a mental bump in the back of your mind when they hit just right, especially with the Smurls’ case.
Although the scares are good, the film feels somewhat slow to get to those points. Due to the parallel storyline structure, there can be a small, yet forceful tonal whiplash. It can go back and forth from being an intriguing family thriller to full-on horror in just a few minutes. Some of the more important moments, like the Warrens’ time with Tony, don’t necessarily carry as much weight due to the need to focus on the terror of it all. Still, it does well enough to make you feel sympathetic for them.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is a satisfying and emotional ending to the Wilson-Farmiga age of this film series. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are able to captivate audiences once more with their confident performances as Chaves’ hopeful vision is fully realized. Though its pacing and need to lean on nostalgia can hold it back, Last Rites does everything it can to make the final instalment feel special for longtime fans.
The Conjuring: Last Rites releases in theaters on September 5.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.