Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront.
When “The Conjuring” hit theaters in 2013, it left a mark that was hard to ignore—largely thanks to James Wan’s unique style in supernatural horror. Wan excelled at building tension, using careful pacing, fresh soundscapes, and prioritizing genuine frights over cheap jump scares. Though he’d already made a name for himself with films like “Saw” and “Dead Silence,” it was with “Insidious” and especially “The Conjuring” that his signature approach really became evident. Audiences soon caught on: if Wan was behind a horror movie, you could expect a truly nerve-wracking ride.
While “The Conjuring 2” is often seen as a standout, the series shifted gears after Wan stepped aside and Michael Chaves took over. Chaves first joined the franchise with “The Curse of La Llorona” in 2019, then directed “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.” Although that sequel drew in fans, critics were less enthusiastic—possibly because it focused more on witchcraft, diverging from the demonic possession tone that defined earlier movies. With “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” though, Chaves gets back on track, delivering a movie that’s visually gripping and truly hair-raising—qualities that have become rare in today’s horror landscape.
As the supposed final main entry in the series, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is marketed as “the case that ended it all.” Although spin-offs like the ANNABELLE films and “The Curse of La Llorona” will go on, this chapter wraps up Ed and Lorraine Warren’s central story. The narrative picks up five years after “The Devil Made Me Do It.” Ed and Lorraine (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) have shifted their focus to teaching and sharing their knowledge, partly due to Ed’s weak heart. A flashback reveals their first major case, which involved a sinister antique mirror capable of imprisoning souls and revealing dark secrets. During that investigation, a pregnant Lorraine touched the mirror, triggering premature labor; their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) was born without signs of life, but after her parents prayed for her, she was revived against all odds.
Fast forward to the present: Judy, now in her twenties and dating Tony (Ben Hardy), finds herself once again drawn into supernatural events, thanks to inheriting her mother’s clairvoyant abilities. At the same time, the Smurl family in Pennsylvania gives their daughter a mirror for her Confirmation, unknowingly setting off a chain of strange happenings in their home. As things spiral, Judy’s psychic abilities compel her to step in.
When Ed and Lorraine learn of Judy’s involvement, they rush to Pennsylvania to bring her back home, only to discover that the mirror troubling the Smurls is the very same one from their earliest case. Lorraine quickly realizes the threat is dire—the spirits within the mirror are determined to reach Judy. Now the Warrens and the Smurls must join forces to confront this evil and protect their loved ones.
Chaves sets “Last Rites” apart by taking time to flesh out the characters in the first half, letting viewers connect with Ed, Lorraine, Judy, Tony, and the Smurls before the supernatural chaos erupts. Once the two families unite, the pace picks up, leading to a suspenseful and intense finale.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a meticulously crafted horror movie that recaptures the fear and emotional depth of the series’ beginnings. The film’s scares are both original and effective, and the emotional tension is palpable—Lorraine faces the real possibility of losing both her husband and daughter. It’s clear, both in this film and throughout the franchise, why this case was the Warrens’ last and why they ultimately decided to leave their work behind for the sake of family.
Though Ed and Lorraine’s story may be over, the broader Conjuring Universe still has plenty of tales left to tell. Given the wealth of supernatural reports out there, it would be a shame if the franchise ended here. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” stands as one of the most disturbing horror films in recent years, and Chaves’s direction shows the growth he’s achieved while working with Wan. Horror fans will no doubt be eager to see what he does next.
Now available on Digital, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD November 25th
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