The Conjuring: Last Rites – Movie Review

Introduction

The Conjuring: Last Rites is the newest installment in the ever-expanding Conjuring Universe, once again placing Ed and Lorraine Warren at the center of a terrifying supernatural case. Known for its blend of emotional storytelling and bone-chilling scares, the franchise has set a high standard for modern horror. This review explores how the film delivers on those expectations and where it stands within the series.

Story and Themes

The film follows the Warrens as they confront a haunting steeped in dark rituals, possession, and the heavy influence of religious undertones. From the very beginning, the narrative creates an atmosphere of dread, building suspense through both psychological tension and shocking supernatural encounters.

The title Last Rites suggests a focus on exorcism and the final battle between good and evil, and the movie leans heavily into those themes. Faith, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of the Warrens’ work are at the heart of the story, grounding the horror in deeply human struggles.

Performances

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again deliver standout performances as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their chemistry and emotional range continue to be the foundation of the franchise. Farmiga brings a quiet intensity to Lorraine, portraying both vulnerability and resilience, while Wilson gives Ed a determined strength that anchors the story.

The supporting cast adds fresh energy, though some secondary characters are not as fully developed. Nevertheless, the strong leads keep the emotional core intact.

Visuals and Direction

The direction stays true to the franchise’s signature style—dark, gothic, and atmospheric. Every frame is carefully constructed to heighten suspense, with the use of shadows, silence, and sudden frights that keep audiences engaged. Practical effects and carefully placed sound design enhance the realism of the scares, avoiding an overreliance on CGI.

The pacing is deliberate, creating moments of both quiet dread and explosive terror. At times, certain sequences feel extended, slightly affecting the flow, but overall the film maintains its grip on the audience.

Strengths

• Powerful performances by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

• Atmosphere rich in gothic horror and suspense.

• Themes of faith and sacrifice that add emotional weight.

• Effective scares that balance psychological dread with supernatural shocks.

Weaknesses

• Some predictable story beats for longtime fans of the series.

• Supporting characters could have been explored in more depth.

• A few pacing issues in the middle act.

Final Verdict

The Conjuring: Last Rites succeeds as a chilling continuation of the Warrens’ story. While it may not reinvent the horror genre, it provides a gripping blend of suspense, emotional depth, and supernatural terror that fans have come to expect.

For dedicated followers of the Conjuring Universe, this installment feels like both a satisfying return and a possible closing chapter for the Warrens’ cinematic journey. For newcomers, it delivers enough standalone thrills to serve as an introduction to the series.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A dark, suspenseful, and emotional horror film that reinforces why the Conjuring franchise remains a modern classic.