'The Conjuring: Last Rites' Movie Review, A Haunting Farewell That Delivers Frights And Feels

The Conjuring: Last Rites, the fourth and final chapter in the iconic horror franchise, bids farewell to 'Ed' and 'Lorraine Warren' in a story that attempts to balance raw fear with emotional closure. With high expectations from long-time fans and box office buzz to back it, does the film live up to the legacy it's concluding? Here's what the fans and critics have to say.

The Conjuring: Last Rites: Cast, crew, and director 

Directed by franchise regular Michael Chaves, who was also behind The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, and The Nun II, Last Rites continues the chilling legacy of the series. The film sees the return of core cast members, Vera Farmiga reprises her role as 'Lorraine Warren', once again embodying the character's spiritual strength and sensitivity. Patrick Wilson returns as 'Ed Warren', delivering a steady and emotionally grounded performance that anchors the film.

New to the main lineup is Mia Tomlinson, who debuts as the grown-up 'Judy Warren', the couple's daughter. Ben Hardy joins the cast as 'Tony Spera', 'Judy's' fiancé. Meanwhile, franchise staple Steve Coulter reprises his role as 'Father Gordon', providing continuity and spiritual guidance within the plot.

The Conjuring: Last Rites' plot

Set in the 1960s, the story revolves around 'Lorraine Warren's' supernatural pregnancy, a demonic mirror, and the rebirth of her daughter, 'Judy'. As 'Judy' grows up, she begins to experience terrifying visions, leading to a climactic final confrontation involving the entire 'Warren' family. With a mix of demonic possessions, town-wide hauntings, and painful personal revelations, Last Rites offers a darker, more introspective look at the 'Warrens' legacy.

Performances by the actors steal the show in The Conjuring: Last Rites

The performances in The Conjuring: Last Rites are a key strength of the film that grounds the supernatural elements. Vera Farmiga delivers a reliably strong and serene portrayal of 'Lorraine Warren', anchoring the film with her calm presence and emotional depth. Patrick Wilson, as 'Ed Warren', remains grounded and heroic, especially shining during the climactic battle where his performance feels both personal and powerful.

Mia Tomlinson makes a strong impression as the grown-up 'Judy Warren', particularly in the intense possession scenes where her expressions and body language convey raw fear and vulnerability. Ben Hardy adds warmth and relatability as 'Tony Spera', the newest member of the 'Warren' family. Supporting cast members like Elliot Cowan, Rebecca Calder, and Kíla Lord Cassidy contribute effectively, even though their roles are majorly there to support the narrative rather than giving them standout moments.

What works best in The Conjuring: Last Rites 

The Conjuring: Last Rites builds a strong, eerie atmosphere,which is elevated by impeccable cinematography that captures every shadow and flicker with precision. The final 20 minutes stand out as a masterclass in horror, packed with the classic Conjuring scares. The core cast delivers impressive performances, and most importantly, the film offers a heartfelt conclusion to a beloved series that feels genuinely earned. This film gives the long-time viewers a satisfying and respectful send-off.

What does not work for The Conjuring: Last Rites

The Conjuring: Last Rites has its own share of flaws. The pacing in the first two acts feels slow and stretched, which may test the patience of viewers expecting a tighter story. A lot of familiar horror tropes, like loud jump scares and eerie imagery, are used time and again in the film. Though these tropes are effective, they can feel repetitive and predictable very soon.

Fans' reaction towards The Conjuring: Last Rites

Despite lukewarm critic scores, The Conjuring: Last Rites has resonated well with audiences. A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented,"The conjuring last rites concludes brilliantly!", another one said,"The Conjuring:Last Rites had me all over the place". A third user said, "The Conjuring: Last Rites10/10. Whole plot and storyline is Top Tier Horror."

Final verdict for The Conjuring: Last Rites

The Conjuring: Last Rites may not be a flawless horror film, but as a finale, it does exactly what it needs to. The slow story might test some viewers' patience, but the chilling climax and emotional ending to the beloved 'Warren' family is a worthy send-off. For fans of the franchise, this is a must-watch that will haunt and heal them in equal measure.

What are your thoughst about The Conjuring: Last Rites?

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