The Conjuring: Last Rites – The Final Chapter of a Horror Legacy

The world of horror cinema has given us countless franchises, but few have left as powerful and lasting an impression as The Conjuring Universe. Since its beginning in 2013, the franchise has terrified audiences worldwide while also telling deeply human stories about love, faith, and the supernatural. Now, in 2025, the saga comes to a chilling conclusion with The Conjuring: Last Rites, the ninth and final film centered on Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Directed by Michael Chaves, this film promises both terror and closure, sending the Warrens off with one final case—one of the most infamous real-life hauntings in America. With Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson returning in their iconic roles, and a storyline rooted in the terrifying Smurl haunting, Last Rites is not just another horror film—it is the emotional farewell of a beloved cinematic era.

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The Story: Revisiting the Smurl Haunting

At its core, The Conjuring: Last Rites is inspired by the Smurl haunting, a chilling 15-year case in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Beginning in 1974 and continuing until 1989, the Smurl family claimed they endured relentless supernatural attacks—from foul odors and loud noises to violent assaults.

The film reimagines these events with the Warrens at the center. Set in 1986, Ed and Lorraine are semi-retired, trying to find peace after decades of battling demons. However, their daughter Judy Warren discovers a cursed mirror in their home, unknowingly unleashing dark forces connected to the Smurl case. The Warrens are once again pulled into a nightmare, forced to confront not only the evil haunting the Smurls but also their own mortality.

By blending supernatural terror with emotional storytelling, the film brings the franchise full circle. It is less about spectacle and more about the personal stakes for the Warrens, making the ending even more powerful.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and New Additions

Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren): Farmiga delivers another layered performance, portraying Lorraine as both a fierce protector and a vulnerable human facing the end of her journey.
Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren): Wilson’s portrayal of Ed shines with warmth and courage. His chemistry with Farmiga remains the heart of the film.
Mia Tomlinson (Judy Warren): Stepping into the spotlight, Judy becomes central to the story, embodying the next generation of the Warren legacy.
Ben Hardy (Tony Spera): Playing Judy’s fiancé, Hardy adds emotional balance while also helping the Warrens in their investigation.
Supporting Cast: Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, and Steve Coulter appear in supporting roles, with James Wan even making an uncredited cameo—a nostalgic nod for longtime fans.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Final Chapter

The screenplay, written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, draws from James Wan’s original story concept. Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, returned for this installment, aiming to mix fan-service with new narrative depth.

Originally, Warner Bros. considered using CGI to de-age Farmiga and Wilson for flashback sequences. However, Farmiga herself opposed the idea, insisting on younger actors instead. This choice added authenticity to the story and created emotional weight by allowing fans to reflect on the Warrens’ journey over time.

The movie was filmed in 2024 with a budget of approximately $55 million, blending old-school practical effects with modern cinematography for a nostalgic yet fresh horror experience.

Critical Reception: A Divisive Yet Emotional Farewell

Since its early screenings, The Conjuring: Last Rites has received mixed reviews:

Positive Praise: Many critics call it a fitting farewell to Ed and Lorraine. They appreciate its emotional depth, callbacks to earlier films, and balance between scares and character-driven storytelling.
Criticism: Some argue that the scares are predictable, the pacing uneven, and certain moments feel more like fan-service than necessary storytelling.
Fan Reactions: For long-time fans, the movie hits harder emotionally than previous entries. Cameos from past characters, Annabelle’s shocking return, and Judy’s wedding finale make the film a celebration of the entire universe.

Unique and Memorable Moments

Annabelle’s Role: For the first time, Annabelle isn’t just sitting in her case—she comes alive in a surreal, larger-than-life sequence that’s both terrifying and oddly humorous.
James Wan’s Cameo: The franchise creator appears briefly, symbolizing his farewell to the story he helped build.
The Wedding Finale: Judy’s wedding, filled with familiar faces from across the series, closes the film on a hopeful, emotional note.

The Future: Is This Really the End?

While Last Rites is marketed as the final Conjuring film, the Conjuring Universe itself is not over. Spin-offs are already in discussion, with possible stories involving the cursed objects from the Warrens’ Occult Museum. Director Michael Chaves has even hinted at spin-offs involving real-world figures tied to the museum.

This means that while Ed and Lorraine’s story may be over, the supernatural world they helped introduce to audiences will likely live on in new and creative forms.

Why The Conjuring: Last Rites Matters

Beyond jump scares and demons, the Conjuring films have always been about love and faith. Ed and Lorraine’s bond was the heart of the series, reminding viewers that even in the face of unimaginable evil, human connection remains powerful.

The Conjuring: Last Rites captures that essence one last time, making it a film not just for horror fans but for anyone who has followed the Warrens’ journey for over a decade.

FAQs on The Conjuring: Last Rites

1. What is The Conjuring: Last Rites about?
It follows Ed and Lorraine Warren investigating the Smurl haunting while also confronting personal challenges in their final case.

2. Is this the final Conjuring movie?
Yes, it is the last film focused on the Warrens, though spin-offs in the universe are planned.

3. What real case inspired the movie?
The Smurl haunting, a real-life paranormal case in Pennsylvania.

4. Who are the main cast members?
Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, and Steve Coulter.

5. Who directed The Conjuring: Last Rites?
Michael Chaves directed the film.

6. When was the film released?
It premiered internationally on September 3, 2025, and in North America on September 5, 2025.

7. Does Annabelle appear in this film?
Yes, Annabelle plays a more active and memorable role.

8. What makes this film different from earlier entries?
It is more emotional, focusing on closure and the Warrens’ legacy rather than just scares.

9. Does James Wan appear in the movie?
Yes, he makes a brief cameo during Judy’s wedding.

10. What was the production budget?
The film was made on a budget of around $55 million.

11. How have critics responded?
Reviews are mixed—some praise its emotional ending, others criticize its predictability.

12. Will there be future Conjuring spin-offs?
Yes, Warner Bros. is developing new spin-offs to expand the universe.