Quick Read
- The Conjuring: Last Rites is the fourth and final main installment in the series.
- The film focuses on the real-life haunting of the Smurl family and their cursed mirror.
- Critics praised its emotional depth but criticized its lack of a gripping finale.
- It grossed £6.7 million ($9.1 million) in its U.K. and Ireland opening weekend.
- The ending serves as a tribute to the Warrens’ legacy, passing the torch to their daughter Judy.
The Conjuring: Last Rites, the much-anticipated finale to the beloved horror franchise, has hit theaters, leaving fans and critics with mixed emotions. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film marks the fourth main installment in The Conjuring series, which began in 2013 with the chilling tale of Ed and Lorraine Warren, played once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. While the movie had its moments of nostalgia and emotional depth, it struggled to deliver the powerful, spine-tingling conclusion that fans had hoped for after 12 years of supernatural storytelling.
The Plot: A Haunting Finale
The Conjuring: Last Rites centers on the real-life story of the Smurl family, who reportedly experienced a series of disturbing paranormal activities in their Pennsylvania home during the 1980s. As reported by GadgetMatch, the film opens with a flashback to the 1960s when Lorraine Warren first encounters an antique mirror that serves as a conduit for a malevolent demon. Years later, the mirror resurfaces in the Smurl family’s home, setting off a chain of chilling events.
From objects being thrown across the room to terrifying apparitions, the Smurl family’s ordeal is vividly portrayed. However, the central conflict intensifies when it becomes clear that the demon’s true target is Judy Warren, Ed and Lorraine’s daughter. Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson, is haunted by visions and must confront her fears alongside her parents in a climactic showdown involving the cursed mirror.
Execution: Lacking the Final Punch
Despite its intriguing premise, the film’s execution left much to be desired. According to AOL, the pacing felt uneven, with random jump scares and overly long runtime detracting from the story’s emotional and horror elements. Scenes that focused on the Warrens’ family life, such as Ed’s birthday celebration and Judy’s engagement to Tony Spera, added depth to the characters but slowed down the narrative.
Moreover, the demon’s portrayal lacked the intensity expected of a grand finale. While the mirror’s connection to the demon was established early on, the film missed opportunities to delve deeper into the backstories of the spirits controlled by the demon. This lack of depth made the central conflict feel underwhelming, especially for fans who had followed the franchise for over a decade.
Box Office Success Despite Criticism
In contrast to its mixed reviews, The Conjuring: Last Rites performed impressively at the box office. As noted by IMDb, the film debuted at number one in the U.K. and Ireland, grossing £6.7 million ($9.1 million) in its opening weekend. This strong financial performance underscores the enduring appeal of The Conjuring universe, even as fans debate the quality of its latest installment.
The success of the film also highlights the franchise’s global reach and its ability to draw audiences with its combination of supernatural horror and emotional storytelling. However, the question remains whether this financial triumph can overshadow the criticism of its narrative shortcomings.
A Sentimental Yet Flawed Conclusion
The film’s ending attempted to tie up loose ends and pass the torch to the next generation. Judy’s confrontation with the demon, supported by her parents, served as a symbolic moment of empowerment. Lorraine’s advice to Judy to face her fears rather than run from them was a poignant callback to the series’ themes of courage and faith.
However, as AOL pointed out, the finale felt more like a tribute to the Warrens’ legacy than a cohesive conclusion to the series. The post-credits scene, featuring real-life footage and photos of the Warrens, added a sentimental touch but did little to enhance the film’s overall narrative impact.
Ultimately, The Conjuring: Last Rites is a polarizing finale that may leave fans divided. While it succeeds in honoring the Warrens’ legacy and delivering moments of emotional resonance, it falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessors.
The Conjuring: Last Rites may not be the grand finale fans hoped for, but it serves as a fitting tribute to the Warrens’ enduring impact on the world of paranormal investigations.