For more than ten years, The Conjuring Universe has established itself as a powerhouse in the horror genre, offering chilling narratives and memorable characters such as Ed and Lorraine Warren. From the horrifying hauntings in a farmhouse to demonic nuns and cursed dolls, the franchise has cultivated a dedicated global following. However, with The Conjuring: Last Rites, the saga reaches its official conclusion—and regrettably, it feels more like a subtle exit than the spectacular finale that fans anticipated.
The Storyline
Last Rites centers on Ed and Lorraine Warren as they tackle their final supernatural investigation. Once again played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the couple delves into a haunting connected to a malevolent force that harkens back to some of their previous encounters. The film aims to resolve lingering questions from earlier installments, providing fans with a sense of closure. Yet, despite an intriguing premise, the execution falters in maintaining consistent suspense.
The pacing is inconsistent—some sections drag on, while others feel hurried. Although there are instances of true eeriness, the frights are less frequent and more foreseeable this time around. In comparison to earlier films like the original Conjuring or even The Conjuring 2, this chapter lacks the shocking moments that once left audiences on the edge of their seats.
Performances
A highlight of the film is the lead performances. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga continue to be the emotional backbone of the series. Their chemistry, warmth, and commitment to embodying the Warrens lend authenticity to the film. Even when the narrative falters, their presence anchors the story and engages viewers with the characters. Without their contributions, Last Rites would feel empty.
Unfortunately, the supporting cast does not make a significant impact. While they fulfill their roles in advancing the plot, none manage to leave a lasting impression like past characters such as Valak (The Nun) or Annabelle did.
Direction and Atmosphere
Director Michael Chaves, known for his work on The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, relies on familiar techniques—dimly lit corridors, flickering candles, and unexpected sounds. While these elements are classic in horror, they come across as recycled rather than innovative in this film. The atmospheric tension that James Wan, the original creator, infused into earlier installments is noticeably absent.
There are still moments of effective horror filmmaking, particularly during the film’s quieter scenes, but they fail to escalate into the sustained dread that fans anticipate. The climax, especially, feels lackluster and overly cautious for a franchise that once revolutionized modern horror.
The Conjuring: Last Rites isn’t a terrible film, but it falls short of being the powerful conclusion that fans hoped for. It opts for safety over daring risks, resulting in a finale that ends with more of a sigh than a scream. For dedicated fans, it remains worth viewing to witness Ed and Lorraine’s story come to a close, but it’s wise to temper expectations.
The franchise deserved a spine-tingling farewell, yet what we received was a decent, albeit forgettable, conclusion.
Rating: 2.5/5 – A chilling legacy, but a tepid ending.