The Warren family is one of the most influential names in the supernatural world, both in real life and on screen, with the horror classic “The Conjuring" (2013), directed by James Wan, becoming one of the most popular horror franchises of their time. Twelve years later, “The Conjuring: Last Rites" marks the ninth and final mainline installment, bringing the story to a close.
“Last Rites," directed by Michael Chaves, is based on the real-life Smurl Haunting in Pennsylvania. The film is not as in-depth into the Smurl family’s story as earlier entries have been with other families. It uses the haunting as a backdrop to explore the emotional journey of the Warren family itself.
The film achieved the biggest opening weekend for a horror film of this year, earning an impressive $187 million during its theatre weekend, surpassing its $55 million budget.
“Last Rites" succeeds in delivering a more character-driven narrative that focuses primarily on Ed, played by Patrick Wilson, Lorraine, played by Vera Farmiga, and their daughter Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson.
The Warren family has had a decade of character development across its multiple films within the universe. It has real-world worries such as popularity, retirement and their connection with the paranormal, like Lorraine’s sensitivity to the paranormal. Their navigation as a family feels like a beautiful send-off for the iconic investigators of this franchise.
One of the film’s greatest elements is the emotional depth. Within the film, the Warrens revisit a haunting chapter from their past, the only demon they had ever run from. This reinforces the idea it's not only the story of the haunting but the story of their love as a family, both as a supernatural and personal challenge.
Controversially, many critics say that “Last Rites" leans too heavily on the jump scares and focuses too much on the Warren family’s natural lives. The film balances horror and character interaction, satisfying fans of both. Viewers expecting the tightly structured haunts of the first two films are in for something slightly different.
Ultimately, ‘“The Conjuring: Last Rites" is a fitting farewell to a beloved franchise. It’s less about the ghosts and more about the people who have spent their lives chasing them.
While also choosing a few great scares in between, the film provides unique pacing, a slight sense of closure, and a goodbye to the decade built horror family of many film-lovers’ dreams.
Rating: 4/5
@olivia2liv
