Being labeled as the final entry in the franchise in both title and talk from those in the know, The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), produced by original mastermind James Wan and directed by Michael Chaves (who also manned the third feature), there is no denying that it has a finale feel to it. . . though, like any lucrative cinematic domain, a haunted door is always found swinging open for another sequel.
Now twelve years on from the original horror filled offering, this adventure follows Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) both forward and backward, opening with a flashback to very early on in their paranormal investigating days when their daughter was first born (keep your eye on an ominous antique mirror), then jumping forward some twenty-two years later into the 1980s. . . where they’ve taken a step back from their inspections due to Ed’s weak heart.
Their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson), now in her twenties, is in a pretty serious relationship with former cop Tony Spera (Ben Hardy), while also trying to stave off the same powers her mom has. . . though she soon is led to the Smurl’s – a family in Pennsylvania that have been increasingly haunted over the last several months.
At first introduced to the idea of helping Jack (Elliot Cowan), Janet (Rebecca Calder), and the Smurl kids by their religious contact with the church, Father Gordon (Steve Coulter) – who has a more dynamic and robust role when compared to the other movies, the Warren’s eventually get sucked into the investigation by their caring daughter. . . but what they don’t know is that they’ve encountered the demonic presence haunting this large family in their distant past.
Thriving in its 1980s setting, the story introduces many a classic element, for on top of that ancient mirror (which is most definitely not from that time period), look for some creepy toys from the era (including a crawling doll and musical merry-go-round), a telephone with a long cord that can be tugged on from the dark pantry, a floor buffer (something people will likely remember from their days in school), and other such things. It also features some killer tracks, including The Cult’s “She Sells Sanctuary” and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”.
Filmizon.com’s Nikolai Adams with Steve Coulter, who has played Father Gordon in all four Conjuring movies
Competently directed, Chaves does a solid job with the material (though he doesn’t have the same stylistic flair as Wan), though some might find the pacing a tad slower than the previous entries, it does feel a bit more dynamic and engaging than the last film. Nonetheless, it brings in themes revolving around family, friends, and how our past influences our present into the story in some heartfelt ways.
A fitting (perhaps) ending to this horror franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites should appease fans of these motion pictures. Featuring some jump scares, plenty of spooky atmosphere, and some creepy entities, it’s got the elements needed for October viewing. It is also worth noting that this tale brings back some fun cameos from previous entries, so fans will most definitely enjoy seeing flashes from the past, with original haunted mom Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) being just one example. So, make sure to conjure up this final entry, you might even find some peace in your future thanks to it.