The Conjuring: Last Rites Sparks New Debate Over the Real Smurl Haunting Case

The Conjuring: Last Rites has renewed global interest in the Smurl haunting case. The film was released this week and marks the end of the first era of The Conjuring franchise. It retells one of the most disputed cases Ed and Lorraine Warren handled in Pennsylvania. Many viewers now ask how much of the story was real and how much was changed for the film.

The case first gained attention in the 1980s. It was covered by major outlets at the time. According to reports from the Associated Press, the family said they faced violent events inside their home. The new film brings those details back into the spotlight.

The Conjuring: Last Rites and the Real Case Behind the Film

The Smurl case began in 1973. Jack and Janet Smurl moved into a duplex in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. They lived with their daughters and Jack’s parents. For years, the home was normal.

Things changed in 1985. The family said strange sounds and strong odors filled the house. They said tools vanished. They said lights broke without reason. Later, they said attacks became physical. The family described injuries and sudden force that pushed their children.

According to reporting from AP at the time, the family sought help from the Catholic Church. Several priests blessed the home. No clear change followed. Neighbors also doubted the claims. Some accused the family of seeking attention. The Smurls said they felt trapped.

This was when Ed and Lorraine Warren entered the case. They said they found signs of a haunting. They claimed the home held several entities. They said a demon was behind the events. Their account was later shared in a book and a 1991 TV film.

How the New Film Shapes Public Interest in the Story

The Conjuring: Last Rites uses the case as a major plot point. The film adds tension and emotion to match the franchise style. It also raises old questions. Many viewers now want to know what was fact and what was fiction. This has driven new online searches about the Smurl haunting.

Reuters has noted in past coverage that skepticism around the case was strong. Some investigators found no evidence. Psychologists suggested stress or health issues may have played a role. Even the Church stayed cautious and did not confirm any paranormal activity.

Still, the case left a mark. It became one of the most discussed haunting reports in the United States. The new film brings that debate to younger viewers. It also closes a long chapter for The Conjuring series.

The Conjuring: Last Rites now pushes the Smurl haunting back into public view. The main keyword gains new attention as fans search for real facts behind the story. The case remains one of the most argued events linked to the franchise.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: Is The Conjuring: Last Rites based on the real Smurl haunting?

The film is based on reports from the 1970s and 1980s. The family and the Warrens said the events were real. Critics said the claims lacked proof.

Q2: Did the Catholic Church confirm the Smurl haunting?

No. Church officials said they found no clear signs of paranormal activity. Blessings were done, but no formal confirmation was given.

Q3: What did investigators say about the case?

Some investigators found nothing unusual. They said stress or health issues may have caused the family’s fears. Reports from that time show strong disagreement among experts.

Q4: Did later residents report any activity?

Later residents said they experienced no problems. This added to the skepticism around the claims.

Q5: Why does the case remain popular today?

The case remains popular because it mixes family drama and fear. The Conjuring films also keep the story alive. New viewers continue to search for the truth.