Advertisement
Since its debut in 2013, The Conjuring franchise has become one of the most influential horror universes of the 21st century. Spanning over a decade, multiple spin-offs (Annabelle, The Nun, The Curse of La Llorona), and a growing web of demonic lore, it reshaped mainstream horror with its blend of supernatural storytelling, religious symbolism, and loosely adapted “real-life” cases from Ed and Lorraine Warren’s controversial files. When The Conjuring: Last Rites was announced as the final entry in the main saga, fans and critics alike anticipated something monumental—a cinematic exorcism of sorts, putting the Warrens’ journey to rest.
But final chapters are difficult. They carry the burden of answering lingering questions, honoring character arcs, satisfying die-hard fans, and sticking a terrifying landing—all while offering something new. The Conjuring: Last Rites promised a globe-spanning, spiritually intense, and emotionally resonant conclusion. Set largely in Rome, it shifted the haunting from domestic America to the seat of the Catholic Church, raising the stakes and theological undertones.
So, did it deliver?
This article dives into whether Last Rites truly closes the coffin on the Warrens’ saga—or if it’s just another ghost story with an ornate cross and familiar screams.
The Emotional Weight: Did the Warrens Get Closure?
One of the biggest challenges in wrapping up a franchise like The Conjuring is providing an emotional payoff for its two central figures: Ed and Lorraine Warren. Over the years, the couple evolved from mere paranormal investigators to deeply human characters grappling with their faith, love, and the ever-blurring line between the natural and the supernatural.
In Last Rites, their bond is once again tested—physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as always, give grounded, committed performances. There are moments that evoke earlier entries: Ed’s fragility, Lorraine’s psychic visions, and the looming threat of something demonic tearing them apart.
But does the film feel like a conclusion for them?
Some fans say yes—the final moments are laced with emotional reflection, references to their entire journey, and a resolution that, while subtle, gives the pair peace. Others argue that the closure felt rushed, with the plot prioritizing spectacle over inner growth. While the couple’s love remains central, some may feel it didn’t evolve beyond familiar beats.
The Plot: Global Stakes, Familiar Structure?
The Conjuring: Last Rites attempts something bold by moving the haunting away from small-town America into Rome. The shift in location was meant to up the spiritual ante—dealing not just with demons in haunted houses, but evil infiltrating the Church itself. This introduces a layer of political and religious tension that’s more layered than past entries.
However, despite the setting change, the narrative formula remains largely unchanged: mysterious events, religious symbols, visions, a creepy child, a corrupt institution, and a climactic confrontation in a dark room filled with screams, Latin chants, and flying furniture. Some viewers found this comfortingly consistent with the franchise’s identity. Others saw it as playing it too safe for a “finale.”
Did the Rome setting allow Last Rites to elevate itself? In part, yes. The architecture, iconography, and atmosphere provide visual richness. But the story beats rarely break new ground, which can make the “final” feel familiar instead of climactic.
The Villain: A Worthy Final Threat?
Every Conjuring film lives or dies by its antagonist—from Bathsheba in the first, to Valak in The Nun, to the Occultist in The Devil Made Me Do It. Last Rites introduces a new demonic entity, steeped in ancient European folklore and connected to a long-buried Vatican secret.
But how effective was this new threat?
The demon in Last Rites is more symbolic than visceral. It represents doubt, loss of faith, and generational spiritual corruption. While conceptually intriguing, some viewers felt it lacked the memorable personality of Valak or Annabelle. The stakes were global—but the threat sometimes felt abstract, rather than intimate or terrifying.
That said, its psychological impact on Lorraine was a key strength. Her confrontation with the entity was framed less as physical combat and more as a crisis of spiritual identity—which offered nuance, even if the horror itself didn’t hit as hard.
Horror & Atmosphere: Scary Enough for a Finale?
No Conjuring movie would survive without delivering the chills. So how did Last Rites fare?
Director Michael Chaves amps up the Gothic horror: cathedrals bathed in candlelight, underground tunnels beneath the Vatican, nightmarish visions of burning saints and crying statues. The atmosphere is top-tier, and the cinematography honors the legacy of James Wan’s style—long takes, eerie silences, and disorienting framing.
But in terms of actual scares, reactions have been mixed. The jump scares are present, but not particularly inventive. There’s a creeping sense of dread, but fewer iconic horror moments. Compared to the raw terror of The Conjuring (2013), this feels more melancholic than terrifying—which may be intentional, but could disappoint fans hoping for one final scream-fest.
The Verdict: Was It Truly the End?
The Conjuring: Last Rites tries to do two things at once: close the Warrens’ story, and expand the franchise mythology. It succeeds at the former in emotional tone, if not always in plot clarity. As for expansion, the film includes a few not-so-subtle seeds for potential spin-offs—particularly involving the Vatican, other priests, and unclosed case files.
So, is it a fitting end?
For longtime fans, it offers a sense of farewell, especially in the final scenes. The tone is quieter, more introspective, and reverent of the characters’ journey. But if you’re looking for a finale that explodes the formula, flips the narrative, or deeply redefines the franchise, this might feel like just another haunting.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites walks a fine line between epilogue and echo. It reveres the franchise’s roots—family, faith, and fear—but doesn’t entirely break new ground. The emotional arcs of Ed and Lorraine are treated with care, but the plot remains cautiously familiar.
Whether that’s a satisfying close or a missed opportunity depends on what you expect from a franchise finale. But one thing’s for sure: even if this is the last official case, The Conjuring’s legacy is far from dead.