The Conjuring: Last Rites

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) is the ninth and final installment in the mainline Conjuring franchise, bringing the haunting journey of Ed and Lorraine Warren to a dramatic close. Set in 1986, the story takes place five years after the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. The Warrens, now semi-retired from paranormal investigations due to Ed’s declining health, are drawn back into one final case—perhaps their most disturbing yet. This time, they travel to Pennsylvania to investigate the Smurl haunting, a terrifying real-life case involving a suburban family plagued by violent supernatural occurrences. As with earlier films, Last Rites blends fact and fiction, diving deep into themes of faith, trauma, and the personal cost of battling darkness.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return in powerful form, once again portraying the Warrens with emotional depth and vulnerability. Their on-screen chemistry and commitment give weight to the film’s emotional core, especially as the couple grapples with aging, fear, and their legacy. New cast members portray the afflicted Smurl family, whose haunting grows more intense as the Warrens uncover a force more ancient and malevolent than they expected. The film is directed by Michael Chaves, who brings a darker tone and more grounded realism to the visuals, while composer Benjamin Wallfisch introduces a fresh musical score that maintains the eerie atmosphere fans expect.

What sets Last Rites apart from earlier entries is its emotional gravity. Rather than simply relying on jump scares, the film reflects on the cost of confronting evil, not just on the victims, but on the investigators themselves. The horror is unsettling and intense, but it’s the characters and their convictions that drive the story forward. As a conclusion to the franchise, the film respects its roots while also expanding its scope, delivering a satisfying mix of horror, drama, and spiritual conflict.

In summary, The Conjuring: Last Rites serves as a fitting finale to a beloved horror saga. It closes the Warrens' journey with both terror and tenderness, offering longtime fans closure while still delivering the suspense and chills the series is known for. Whether you're a fan of supernatural thrillers or emotional horror, this final chapter is one not to miss.