The Conjuring: Last Rites Brings New Focus to the Smurl Family Case as Film Era Ends

The Conjuring universe is closing its first chapter with The Conjuring: Last Rites. The new film looks back at the widely discussed Smurl family case in Pennsylvania. The story gained fresh attention as fans asked what happened to the real house after the family left. The home still stands in West Pittston, but its past remains debated.

The case drew national interest for years. It also inspired books and screen projects. The new film release has now pushed the story back into the spotlight.

The Conjuring: Last Rites and New Public Interest

The main keyword with the highest search volume is The Conjuring. The new film has renewed interest in the events tied to the Smurl family. According to Reuters and other major outlets, the franchise remains one of Hollywood’s most successful modern horror series. Its films often revisit real cases tied to widely discussed investigations.

The Smurl case became known in the 1980s after the family said they faced strange events in their duplex. Reports at the time said the family moved into the home after a storm damaged their earlier house. They later told local newspapers that odd sounds and sudden damage made them fear for their safety.

The case grew larger when well‑known investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the home. Their involvement led to more media coverage. It also sparked public debate, with some accepting the family’s fears while others rejected the claims. Local media covered both sides, and the story spread across national outlets.

The new film brings the case back into public view. It also raises questions about how much of the story came from personal experience and how much came from public reaction over time.

What Happened to the Smurl House After the Family Left

Public records from the time show that the family left the home in 1988. News outlets such as the Times Leader reported that the house changed owners soon after. The new owner rented it out, and later tenants said they never saw unusual activity. Their accounts added fuel to long debates over the case.

The home has not been listed as a historic site. It remains a private residence. People who lived nearby in later years also told reporters that the street stayed quiet after the family moved.

The broader discussion has focused on how media attention can shape public belief. The case became part of larger conversations about fear, stress, and how families respond to crisis. For many, the story is now seen through the lens of film history more than real events.

How The Story Lives On Through Film and Culture

The Conjuring series often blends documented reports with dramatic elements. The new film continues that pattern. It uses the Smurl case as a base while adding new scenes to complete the franchise arc.

The case remains part of American pop‑culture memory. It influenced books, a TV movie, and now the final Conjuring chapter. For fans, it marks the end of a long run of films that mixed folklore, fear, and personal accounts.

The Conjuring franchise ends a major era with Last Rites, and the Smurl case plays a central role. The story still draws strong interest, and The Conjuring remains one of the most searched horror titles today.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What is The Conjuring: Last Rites based on?

The film is based loosely on reports linked to the Smurl family case. It uses the events as inspiration rather than a direct retelling.

Q2: Where is the Smurl house now?

The house remains in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. It is a private home and not open to the public.

Q3: Did later tenants report activity?

Reports from the Times Leader said later tenants did not report unusual events. Their accounts were often used by skeptics.

Q4: Why is the case linked to The Conjuring?

The case involved investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their work forms the base of the Conjuring films.

Q5: Is the film a true story?

The film is inspired by reported events but takes dramatic liberties. It is not a documentary.