A Haunting Farewell to the Warrens
For over a decade, The Conjuring universe has terrified audiences worldwide, building a legacy of spine-chilling horror mixed with deep human emotion. What began as a haunted farmhouse tale in 2013 has now grown into one of the most successful horror franchises of all time, with spin-offs like Annabelle, The Nun, and The Curse of La Llorona. Yet, at its heart, the saga has always revolved around two characters: Ed and Lorraine Warren, the devoted paranormal investigators brought to life with unforgettable sincerity by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.
Now, with The Conjuring: Last Rites, we are given not just another case file, but a final goodbye. Marketed as the closing chapter in the Warrens’ journey, this film delivers both shivers and sentiment, blending raw terror with heartfelt family drama.
Setting the Stage: The Final Case
Last Rites takes its inspiration from one of the Warrens’ most disturbing cases: the Smurl haunting of 1986. The Smurl family reported years of terrifying experiences in their Pennsylvania home—levitations, scratches, strange odors, and even violent assaults by unseen forces. Despite repeated exorcisms, the activity persisted, leaving the family broken and desperate.
In the film’s narrative, the Smurls’ ordeal is tied to a sinister object: an antique mirror. This mirror isn’t just a source of disturbances; it carries a deep connection to the Warrens themselves, pulling them back into a confrontation with evil they thought they had left behind.
A Story Framed by Family
The movie doesn’t just tell a horror story—it roots the terror in personal stakes. Early flashbacks reveal a younger Lorraine Warren coming into contact with this very mirror while pregnant with Judy, their daughter. This traumatic encounter not only endangered Lorraine but left lingering spiritual scars on Judy, who has since grown into a young woman with psychic gifts of her own.
By the mid-1980s, Judy is preparing for her wedding to Tony Spera. But as the mirror resurfaces and begins tormenting the Smurls, Judy becomes haunted by visions that echo her mother’s past experiences. The Warrens, though semi-retired, are pulled back into the battle—not just to help the Smurls, but to protect their daughter from an evil that has been waiting decades to claim her.
Performances that Carry the Weight
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again embody Ed and Lorraine with warmth, intensity, and a rare sense of partnership. Their performances have always been the emotional core of the franchise, grounding supernatural chaos in human love. In Last Rites, that bond feels stronger than ever, as the couple confronts not only external demons but also the fear of losing their daughter.
Mia Tomlinson, stepping into the role of Judy Warren, adds fresh energy to the saga. Her portrayal captures both the fragility of someone tormented by visions and the resilience of a woman determined to break free from her family’s dark legacy. Beside her, Ben Hardy as Tony Spera injects humor and charm, balancing the tension with moments of levity while proving himself a worthy addition to the Warren family.
Horror Meets Heart
What distinguishes Last Rites from many horror sequels is its refusal to rely solely on cheap scares. Yes, there are bone-chilling sequences—shadows moving in mirrors, inhuman growls echoing through walls, and terrifying demonic apparitions—but the film is equally invested in the quiet, human moments.
We see the Warrens playing games with Judy, nervously planning a wedding, and struggling to balance ordinary family life with extraordinary battles. These warm interludes heighten the tension, reminding viewers what’s truly at stake: love, trust, and family bonds.
When the final confrontation with the demonic entity arrives, it isn’t just another exorcism scene. It’s a deeply personal fight, with Judy forced to confront the same evil that once threatened her very existence in the womb. The battle becomes symbolic of generational struggle—the passing of trauma, strength, and, ultimately, hope.
The Climactic Wedding
The movie’s closing act is both unexpected and touching. After the chaos, Judy and Tony’s wedding serves as a symbolic release. In this sequence, familiar faces from earlier films make appearances, a tribute to the history of the franchise and a farewell to long-time fans.
Rather than ending on a note of fear, the film closes with celebration—a reminder that life continues, even after horror. The Warrens watch their daughter step into her own future, no longer defined by their battles but strengthened by them. For audiences, this wedding becomes a metaphorical last rite itself: a blessing, a closure, and a promise that love outlasts darkness.
Strengths of the Film
- Emotional Depth – The strongest aspect of Last Rites lies in its emotional storytelling. It doesn’t just want to scare you; it wants you to care deeply about these characters and their fate.
- Strong Performances – Wilson and Farmiga deliver career-defining performances, while Tomlinson and Hardy breathe new life into the narrative.
- Balance of Horror and Drama – The mix of supernatural thrills with family warmth feels more mature than previous installments, offering a layered viewing experience.
- Nostalgic Farewell – Cameos and callbacks make it feel like a true finale, rewarding loyal fans of the series.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
No finale is perfect, and Last Rites is not immune to criticism. Some viewers may find the pacing uneven, especially during the second act where family drama occasionally slows the momentum. Others might argue that the heavy use of CGI undermines the raw, practical terror that made the first Conjuring so effective.
Additionally, while the film provides closure for the Warrens, some fans might feel the ending leans too heavily on sentiment and not enough on shock—opting for catharsis over sheer terror. For die-hard horror enthusiasts, this may leave the climax feeling less frightening than expected.
Is It Really the End?
Though billed as the final chapter in the Warrens’ story, the Conjuring universe itself is far from over. With multiple spin-offs already in existence and whispers of new projects in development, the haunted world James Wan helped create is alive and well.
Last Rites feels more like a conclusion to Ed and Lorraine’s arc rather than the closing of the entire franchise. In fact, by introducing Judy as a central character, the film even plants seeds for potential new directions. Could Judy and Tony step into the paranormal spotlight in the future? Only time will tell.
The Legacy of the Warrens
Looking back, what makes the Conjuring films resonate so deeply is not just the horror but the humanity. Ed and Lorraine were never superheroes—they were flawed, vulnerable people who leaned on faith, love, and trust in each other. Their cinematic journey has shown audiences that even in the darkest battles, hope can prevail.
With Last Rites, that message is amplified. It’s not simply a ghost story; it’s a love story, a family story, and a reminder that sometimes the scariest battles are the ones fought within the heart.
Final Thoughts
The Conjuring: Last Rites is not the scariest entry in the franchise, nor the most original, but it is perhaps the most heartfelt. As a final chapter, it succeeds in giving fans closure while celebrating the enduring bond of the Warrens.
It’s a film about endings, yes—but also about beginnings. Judy’s wedding symbolizes the continuation of life beyond fear, while the Warrens’ quiet smiles remind us that even legends must eventually step aside.
For horror fans, it offers enough chills to satisfy. For long-time followers of Ed and Lorraine, it offers something far more valuable: a proper goodbye.
