In 2013, James Wan’s The Conjuring arrived like a thunderclap in the world of horror cinema. At a time when the genre was dominated by gore-heavy slashers and found-footage experiments, The Conjuring reminded audiences of the primal power of atmosphere, sound, and storytelling. Its terrifying set pieces, rooted in the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, turned the film into both a critical darling and a commercial juggernaut. Audiences were shaken, critics applauded its craftsmanship, and very quickly, The Conjuring achieved cult status.
That one film would birth a sprawling horror universe, second only to superhero franchises in box office impact. Sequels like The Conjuring 2 (2016) expanded the Warrens’ adventures, while spin-offs like Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), The Nun (2018), and The Curse of La Llorona (2019) explored sinister side stories. Though uneven at times, the franchise cultivated a loyal fanbase. The haunted doll Annabelle, the shadowy Nun, and countless cursed relics became cultural icons, populating memes, conventions, and Halloween costumes worldwide.
Now, after more than a decade of spine-chilling tales, The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) closes the book on this saga. Directed by Michael Chaves, it adapts the infamous Smurl haunting and reunites Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga for one final outing as the Warrens. The result is a film that balances supernatural spectacle with heartfelt reflection—a cinematic farewell that is both chilling and emotionally grounded.
Visual Brilliance and Cinematic Craft
One of the film’s undeniable strengths is its cinematography. Eli Born’s camerawork elevates familiar horror tropes into artful compositions. He employs shadows, mirrors, and confined spaces to generate unease, transforming ordinary settings into terrifying canvases. The standout sequence features Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson) trying on her wedding dress in a mirrored fitting room. The infinite reflections are unsettling enough—but when one reflection refuses to mimic her, the effect is both breathtaking and horrifying. This scene alone demonstrates why The Conjuring films are regarded as visual benchmarks in modern horror.
Beyond set pieces, the overall visual language of the film leans into its 1980s setting. Warm sepia tones and grainy textures create an atmosphere of old-world dread, subtly reminding audiences of horror’s gothic lineage while paying homage to vintage filmmaking.
The Music of Fear
Equally powerful is the background score and sound design, which avoids cheap tricks in favor of carefully modulated tension. The soundscape alternates between silence that stretches like a rubber band and sharp, jarring crescendos that puncture the calm. Unlike many horror films where sound is used merely for shock value, here it amplifies both the dread and the drama. The score mirrors the Warrens’ emotional journey—quietly mournful in their moments of vulnerability, thunderous in their confrontations with the supernatural.
The result is a film where audiences don’t just watch horror unfold—they feel it reverberating through every chord, echo, and silence.
Performances That Anchor the Supernatural
The emotional weight of the film rests squarely on Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Over the past decade, their portrayal of Ed and Lorraine Warren has become the soul of the franchise. In Last Rites, they deliver career-defining performances that honor the Warrens’ humanity as much as their bravery.
Wilson brings warmth, humor, and vulnerability to Ed, embodying a man haunted as much by his own frailty as by demons. Farmiga, with her calm poise and spiritual gravitas, makes Lorraine both maternal and formidable. Their chemistry remains magnetic, reminding us why audiences have been invested in their journey for so long.
Mia Tomlinson emerges as the emotional successor, embodying Judy Warren with a delicate blend of innocence and strength. Ben Hardy, as Tony, balances the narrative with sincerity, grounding Judy’s arc. Together, the younger duo hints at a possible continuation of the Warrens’ legacy, even as this chapter officially closes.
Strengths and Shortcomings
At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film does occasionally stretch itself thin. The first half moves deliberately, with limited scares, testing the patience of viewers expecting relentless horror. The climax, though gripping, feels somewhat hurried compared to the careful buildup.
Yet, these flaws do not overshadow the film’s achievements. The second half delivers relentless tension, emotionally charged revelations, and callbacks that longtime fans will savor. The return of Annabelle, even in a brief cameo, is a delightfully terrifying nod to the universe’s wider mythology.
A Fitting Farewell
What makes The Conjuring: Last Rites resonate is its commitment to being more than just a horror movie. It is a story of family, faith, and endurance, framed against the backdrop of paranormal terror. Where so many horror franchises end with diminishing returns, this one concludes with respect for its characters and affection for its fans.
For audiences who discovered horror through The Conjuring in 2013, who followed Annabelle, The Nun, and other spin-offs with fascination, and who came to love the Warrens as much for their humanity as their heroism—this finale feels like a farewell letter. It acknowledges the past, embraces the present, and leaves just enough mystery for the future.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★✬☆☆ (3.5/5)