The Conjuring: Last Rites Review – A Fitting End or a Tired Retread?

The Conjuring: Last Rites concludes the main franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film is set for a global release this October. It serves as the final chapter in the long-running horror series.

Director Michael Chaves helms this closing installment. The story focuses on the Warrens’ last major case in 1986. They confront a malevolent force tied to a cursed mirror from their past.

Franchise Fatigue Haunts Final Chapter

Early reviews suggest the film struggles with predictability. Critics note a reliance on well-worn haunted house tropes. The scares feel familiar to longtime fans of the series.

The narrative centers on the Smurl family haunting. Their real-life story made headlines in the 1980s. Yet, the plot quickly shifts focus back to the Warrens’ personal lives.

Their daughter Judy and her fiancé get dragged into the conflict. This creates a sentimental family drama wrapped in horror clothing. The emotional stakes feel recycled from previous entries.

Strong Leads Can’t Save Stale Storytelling

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga deliver committed performances. Their chemistry remains the franchise’s strongest asset. They bring warmth and sincerity to otherwise flat material.

A few visual moments stand out. One scene shows Judy in a hall of mirrors while trying her wedding dress. Another features a dread-inducing cursed reflection. These glimpses recall the series’ former brilliance.

However, these highlights are too few. Director Michael Chaves fails to build sustained tension. Set-pieces overstay their welcome and deflate the horror.

The soundtrack choices feel dated. The overall effect is a film out of step with modern horror trends. It caters to an audience satisfied with familiar surprises.

The Conjuring: Last Rites offers a final outing for the Warrens. It provides a conclusive, if underwhelming, end to their story. The franchise bows out with more whimper than bang.

Thought you’d like to know

Is The Conjuring: Last Rites the final movie?

Yes, it is billed as the final chapter in the main Conjuring series. It concludes the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Spin-offs may continue in the future.

What is the critics’ rating for the film?

Early reviews have been mixed. Many critics have given it two out of five stars. The consensus points to predictable scares and a stale narrative.

Who directs The Conjuring: Last Rites?

Michael Chaves directs the final installment. He previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. He also directed The Nun II.

Does the film use a real-life case?

Yes, it incorporates the Smurl family haunting from Pennsylvania. This case was investigated by the real Warrens in the 1980s. It made national news at the time.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News