The Conjuring: Last Rites — A Sombre Farewell with Mixed Results
The Conjuring: Last Rites released in September 2025. It stands as the ninth film in the hugely popular Conjuring Universe. Michael Chaves directed the film, and writers Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick crafted the story. The film tells the story of the Smurl haunting, a real-life case that shocked America in the 1980s.
This film holds special meaning because it brings the long-running saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren to a close. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again play the famous paranormal investigators. Their daughter Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson, plays a major role this time. The movie shows Judy battling a cursed mirror, which forces the Warrens to leave retirement and face one last terrifying case.
The film calls itself a farewell, and the makers openly said they wanted to give fans closure. After more than a decade of scares, audiences walked into theaters expecting an emotional ending and a proper goodbye.
Emotional Core and Legacy
James Wan, the creator of the franchise, said that this film feels bittersweet. He wanted fans to leave with both fear and emotion. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga worked together for twelve years as Ed and Lorraine. Their chemistry holds the story together. Without them, the franchise would not feel the same.
The film spends a lot of time with the Warren family. Judy takes center stage as she learns to handle paranormal threats on her own. This angle makes the film more personal and emotional. It does not just show priests chanting or demons screaming. Instead, it focuses on family, faith, and sacrifice.
Many fans came to the theater not only for horror but also for closure. The film delivers that closure, although in a very uneven way.
Box Office and Global Buzz
The film released with huge buzz around the world. In the United States, early predictions said the movie would open with around 35 to 50 million dollars. Warner Bros. hoped to continue its streak of strong horror openings.
In India, the excitement reached another level. By September 3rd, theaters had already sold more than 85,000 advance tickets through major chains. Paid previews on September 4th saw big crowds. Experts expected an opening around 13 to 14 crore rupees. Many even believed the movie could become the first Hollywood horror film to cross the 100 crore rupee mark in India.
These numbers prove that fans still love the Conjuring brand. Even after nine films, audiences worldwide want to see Ed and Lorraine Warren on the big screen one more time.
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Critical Reception
Harsh Reviews
Some critics did not like the film at all. They called it slow and predictable. The Houston Chronicle said the film looked lifeless and lacked fresh ideas. The San Francisco Chronicle complained that the Warrens only enter the story after eighty minutes, which makes the first half dull.
The A.V. Club said the film felt boring and overstuffed with nostalgia. According to them, the film wanted to play safe instead of offering new kinds of scares. They even called it “biblically boring,” a harsh line that reflects disappointment.
Balanced or Positive Reviews
Not all reviews were negative. Some critics praised the film for its emotional ending. RogerEbert.com said the climax felt tense, warm, and sincere. The review noted that the final scenes gave the franchise a heartfelt goodbye.
Bloody Disgusting praised the film for stronger scares than the previous part. They also said Wilson and Farmiga gave everything in their last outing as the Warrens. The AU Review noted that while the film did not reinvent horror, it gave fans enough scares and enough heart to walk away satisfied.
Rotten Tomatoes collected reviews and pointed out that most critics praised the acting and emotional depth but criticized the slow pace.
This mixed reaction shows the challenge of closing a famous franchise. Some fans wanted nonstop scares, while others wanted closure and family drama. The film tries to do both, and not everyone feels happy with the result.
Production Choices
The filmmakers made an interesting decision during production. At first, they thought about using computer effects to make Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga look younger in flashbacks. Vera Farmiga suggested hiring young actors instead. Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith played young Ed and Lorraine, and both actors studied Wilson and Farmiga closely to copy their mannerisms. This choice added freshness and even opened doors for possible prequel spin-offs.
Director Michael Chaves also hinted that this film might not be the end of the Conjuring Universe. While Last Rites closes the first chapter of Ed and Lorraine’s story, the franchise might move to Judy Warren’s adventures or even new paranormal cases.
One unusual highlight came from Texas, where a bishop blessed audiences at a special screening. He sprinkled holy water, handed out prayer cards, and connected the movie to real faith. Videos of this event went viral online, and many fans found it both funny and fitting for a film so tied to religion.
Strengths of the Film
- Emotional Goodbye: The movie focuses on family and faith, which makes the ending meaningful.
- Strong Performances: Wilson and Farmiga once again carry the film. Their final act together makes the film worth watching.
- Personal Stakes: Judy’s story brings a new perspective, which helps the audience connect emotionally.
- Global Box Office Power: Advance sales and strong openings prove that audiences still care about the Warrens.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Slow Pacing: Many viewers felt bored in the first hour. The main action starts very late.
- Recycled Scares: The film repeats familiar tricks instead of inventing new ones.
- Too Much Nostalgia: The film depends heavily on past references instead of building a fresh storyline.
- Divided Audience: Fans who wanted pure horror walked away disappointed, while fans who wanted emotion felt more satisfied.
Overall Verdict
The Conjuring: Last Rites tries to be both scary and emotional. It gives longtime fans a proper farewell to Ed and Lorraine Warren. The final act delivers strong performances and touching family moments. But the film also suffers from slow pacing and recycled ideas.
For some, this feels like the perfect last chapter, filled with warmth, faith, and fear. For others, it feels like a tired attempt to close a franchise that has already stretched too long.
No matter the divided opinions, the film proves one thing: audiences around the world still believe in the power of The Conjuring. With huge box office buzz and passionate fan debates, the franchise bows out on a note of respect, if not greatness.
Final Thoughts
When the lights go down and the last credits roll, The Conjuring: Last Rites leaves you with more emotion than fear. It may not be the scariest film in the series, but it respects its characters and their journey. Ed and Lorraine Warren walked into the horror hall of fame back in 2013. Twelve years later, they walk out with dignity.
For fans, this may not be the loudest scream, but it feels like a heartfelt goodbye. And maybe that matters more than one more jump scare.
