Home » Now Playing » The Conjuring: Last Rites

The Conjuring: Last Rites

As I sit down to write this article, the nine films in the CONJURING universe have earned more than $2.6 billion at the worldwide box office. Let that sink in for a moment. $2.6 BILLION. The horror franchise, which began in 2013 has become one of the most lucrative in the history of the genre, and its latest installment, THE CONJURING: LAST RITES was yet another massive success.

Billed as the final pairing of stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, it explores the last case that real-life paranormal pioneers Lorraine and Ed Warren ever investigated. The duo have shown a natural chemistry that has helped elevate each chapter that they have appeared in. Their effortless connection is on display in each scene that they share, and oftentimes, it is their presence that has injected life into each of the sequels. While they have not been the focal point of all 9 films in the universe, they have been the leads in all four of the CONJURING films.

LAST RITES begins with a flashback. It is 1964 and a young and pregnant Lorraine and Ed visit an antique shop where a man has recently committed suicide. His daughter is convinced that an evil spirit is to blame, and that it has been setting its demonic sights on her. Lorraine approaches a mirror that may be the conduit of the spirit, and suddenly goes into labor. Once at the hospital, things get intense when Lorraine gives birth. For a harrowing minute, it appears all hope is lost, but then suddenly, the baby takes a breath and begins to cry. The relieved couple names the girl, Judy.

Flashfoward to 1986. We are introduced to the mirror once again, as it is purchased by the Smurl family in West Pittson, Pennsylvania as a gift for their daughter Heather (Kila Lord Cassidy.) The loving and boisterous family finds it a little creepy, but also kind of cool. When they start experiencing some paranormal shenanigans, however, they fear that the mirror is to blame. These early moments reminded me of the underrated (and far superior) OCULOUS. Things go bump, phone chords are messed with, dolls start moving, and jump scare sounds accompany visions of specters.

Eventually, Ed and Lorraine, along with Judy (Mia Tomlinson), make their way to the Keystone state in hopes of helping the family. Their friend Father Gordon (Steve Coulter) had died under mysterious circumstances while helping the Sturl’s and they know it’s what he would have wanted. What they weren’t counting on, is that the spirits in the mirror don’t just have it out for the family, they want to finish what they started with Judy.

As discussed previously in other reviews, 2025 has delivered numerous excellent horror productions. 28 YEARS LATER, BRING HER BACK, and WEAPONS have proved (once again) that the horror genre can provide audiences with some of the best films of the year. Movies that are artistic and original while also striking fear into the heart of every viewer. Each one of these had moments that stuck with me for days, weeks, and months later. With LAST RITES, this simply isn’t the case. Admittedly, maybe this type of comparison is a little unfair. I’m not entirely convinced that the ninth installment of a franchise that has been largely formulaic (yet massively profitable) is trying to dazzle its core audience with unforgettable moments. What it does expertly is get folks through the door and keeps them engaged once they are there. A shock here, a jump scare there, and before you know it, the 10th installment will be on its way.