Bows Out With Enough Scares to Haunt Fans One Last Time
RATING – 3/5*
The Conjuring Last Rites Review Movie Talkies:
The Conjuring franchise reaches its conclusion with The Conjuring Last Rites, and while it doesn’t go out on the highest possible note, it certainly manages to say goodbye in a manner that feels both satisfying and respectful to its legacy. Like every other installment in the series — even the weaker ones — this final chapter carries stretches of slow pacing that may leave viewers restless. Yet, what redeems it are the genuinely chilling moments and the nail-biting climax that manage to overshadow many of its flaws. The film has shortcomings, but it’s smart enough to counterbalance them with well-timed highs. Those highs, paired with enough fan service and jump scares, make it a worthy send-off. For long-time fans, that might just be “enough.”
The Conjuring Last Rites Story:
The story transports us back to the 1960s, where Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) is expecting a child. She encounters a demonic mirror with Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) at her side. Though they narrowly escape the sinister force, Lorraine gives birth to a stillborn baby girl in the hospital. In a miraculous moment of faith, she prays to the Holy Lord, and the child, Judy (Mia Tomlinson), is brought to life. As Judy grows, she begins experiencing disturbing visions, while Lorraine guides her in battling these haunting images. On the brink of marriage, Judy’s hallucinations intensify, pulling her toward a sinister calling. Meanwhile, a family in town suffers from supernatural disturbances, prompting the Warrens — now with Judy by their side — to investigate. What follows is a terrifying confrontation with demons and shocking revelations from the past, testing the strength and unity of the Warren family like never before.
The film’s foundation, “based on true events,” gives it an eerie weight, but the execution falters in places. The screenplay by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick takes too long to establish the setup. At times, the sluggish pacing provides audiences with enough space to glance at their phones or shift uncomfortably in their seats. The narrative meanders, leaving you yawning every 10–15 minutes. To combat this, the writers sprinkle jump scares at carefully timed intervals, almost as if designed to jolt viewers awake. The first 110 minutes might test your patience, but everything builds toward the final act, where the film finally flexes its true horror muscle. The last 20 minutes deliver a gripping crescendo of frightening imagery, loud supernatural confrontations, and genuinely hair-raising sequences. This is followed by an unexpectedly tender farewell segment. In a franchise defined by relentless darkness, ending with a white, bright, and almost hopeful tone is surprising — and oddly refreshing. Last Rites proves that sometimes even the unexpected works fine.
The Conjuring Last Rites Cast:
Performance-wise, the film stays true to its roots. Vera Farmiga once again excels as Lorraine Warren, seamlessly slipping back into a role that feels tailor-made for her. While she doesn’t bring anything drastically new, her calm, spiritual presence carries the narrative with ease. Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren remains steady and composed, delivering a particularly memorable performance during the climactic battle. Mia Tomlinson impresses as Judy, especially in the possession scenes, where her expressions and body language convey raw terror. Ben Hardy adds a grounded charm as the newest addition to the Warren entourage, balancing out the family’s heightened dramatics. Supporting actors such as Elliot Cowan, Rebecca Calder, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, and Molly Cartwright do their jobs well, though their roles are limited.
On the technical side, Last Rites shines brilliantly. Eli Born’s cinematography is a standout — every frame feels meticulously crafted, from shadowy corners to upside-down flips and haunting closeups. The camera work alone elevates the film, making even the slower portions visually engaging. The sound design follows the franchise’s tradition of amplifying scares with eerie whispers, sudden silences, and well-timed crescendos. Editing by Gregory Plotkin and Elliot Greenberg could have been tighter, especially in the first half, where drag becomes evident. Benjamin Wallfisch’s music lends an atmospheric layer, though it occasionally struggles to carry scenes that lack narrative urgency. Director Michael Chaves, however, redeems himself in the finale. Though the setup feels too basic and stretched, he reminds us why The Conjuring remains the gold standard of modern horror by delivering a knockout closing act.
The Conjuring Last Rites Movie Review:
Yes, pacing issues and narrative lulls weigh down the film, but The Conjuring: Last Rites manages to stick the landing. The phrase “all’s well that ends well” has never been more appropriate. Despite its flaws, the movie closes the franchise with moments of pure terror, heartfelt family dynamics, and a satisfying farewell that leaves fans both shaken and grateful. For those who love the series, the final jump scares and chilling sequences will be enough. Last Rites may not be perfect, but as a finale, it succeeds in what matters most — giving us a frightening, fulfilling, and heartfelt goodbye.
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