The Conjuring: Last Rites Review: Slow Build, Strong Finish
The Conjuring: Last Rites serves as the final chapter in one of horror’s most celebrated franchises, bringing Ed and Lorraine Warren’s long journey to a close. As a conclusion, it aims not only to deliver scares but also to leave audiences with a lasting message about fear and resilience. The ending underlines this beautifully: when terror becomes a part of life and running is no longer an option, the only solution is to confront it. What makes this resolution stand out is that it’s portrayed in a deeply human way rather than relying solely on the supernatural, giving the finale an unexpected but powerful weight.
The Conjuring: Last Rites closes the curtain on one of modern horror’s most iconic sagas, returning to familiar territory with a blend of supernatural terror and emotional depth. Set in 1986, the story follows the Smurl family in Pennsylvania, whose seemingly innocent gift—a mirror for their daughter Heather (Kíla Lord Cassidy), ushers in a string of disturbing events. Even after discarding the object, their lives remain plagued by unexplainable forces. At the same time, veteran demonologists Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga), now in retirement, feel inexplicably tied to the Smurls’ ordeal. The mystery becomes even more personal when their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) finds herself drawn into the chaos, raising the stakes for the family and setting up a haunting final battle.
The narrative, inspired by real-life accounts, has all the makings of a chilling ghost story. Writers David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and James Wan ensure the premise feels rooted in dread, while the screenplay by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and Johnson-McGoldrick weaves in both suspense and family drama. The first half, however, takes its time to unfold. While this slow burn creates atmosphere, it risks testing the patience of viewers hoping for the franchise’s trademark scares early on. By contrast, the second half is tauter, more frightening, and emotionally engaging, culminating in a finale that delivers both intensity and impact.
Director Michael Chaves strikes a balance between horror and humanity. His vision highlights not only the terror of the supernatural but also the emotional strain such experiences place on families. Franchise hallmarks are present, from the ominous prologue to the use of archival-style images, which give the story an added sense of authenticity. Memorable sequences include the eerie courtroom scene, the Smurls’ desperate attempt to dispose of the mirror, and a tender subplot where Tony (Ben Hardy) proposes to Judy, offering warmth amid the fear. The climax unites the film’s themes of dread and resilience, leaving audiences with a sense of closure.
Performances are consistently strong. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson once again anchor the story with heartfelt portrayals of Lorraine and Ed Warren, bringing depth to their characters’ struggles. Mia Tomlinson excels as Judy, particularly in the later half of the film, while Ben Hardy adds charm as the well-meaning Tony. Kíla Lord Cassidy and Beau Gadsdon leave a mark as the Smurl sisters, with Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan delivering convincing turns as their troubled parents. Steve Coulter, as Father Gordon, makes a memorable impression despite limited screen time.
On the technical front, the film is finely crafted. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score intensifies the tension, Eli Born’s moody cinematography enhances the eerie tone, and John Frankish’s production design grounds the supernatural in realism. The visual effects are used effectively without overindulgence, though the editing could have been tighter in the sluggish early portions.
The Conjuring Last Rites review: While The Conjuring: Last Rites isn’t flawless, its slow build and narrative gaps may frustrate some, it redeems itself with an engrossing second half, committed performances, and a thematically rich finale. As the closing chapter of a beloved franchise, it offers a haunting yet heartfelt farewell.
