Having grown up with The Conjuring movies (and the spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun), I went into The Conjuring: Last Rites both hyped and a little sad, knowing this was gonna be the last time we’d see Ed and Lorraine Warren on the big screen.
If I’m being honest, the movie wasn’t that scary. Sure, there were a few decent jump scares, but nothing that really got under my skin. In fact, some moments were unintentionally funny, and people in the theatre actually laughed. For a franchise that gave us nightmares in the past, this one felt way more mehh.
The story also had some plot holes and loose ends that were never addressed. I really wish they’d shown more interactions between all the characters instead of sidelining most of them.
However, the one thing that really stood out was Judy (played by Mia Tomlinson). Two of her scenes were pure nightmare fuel.
‘The Mirror Dress Scene’ when Judy tries on her wedding dress in a trial room filled with mirrors, and her reflection eerily resembles Annabelle. The claustrophobic vibe, combined with horror elements, was actually terrifying.
‘The Possession Scene’, when Judy, fully possessed, sits on the floorboards with her head down, crying. Lorraine finds her and thinks it’s just regular tears, but nope, it’s full horror mode. Definitely one of the creepiest moments.
Since this was the finale, the movie leans more into emotion than scares. The ending tries to wrap things up neatly with Judy’s wedding to Tony (Ben Hardy), Lorraine having a vision of her future grandchildren, and the Warrens finally getting a peaceful send-off.
It’s sweet, but the actual demon showdown? Super rushed and anticlimactic. The backstory surrounding the main demon and the three people murdered on the farm doesn’t seem to connect to anything strongly.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again crush it as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their chemistry and warmth have always been the heart of this franchise, and in this farewell, they make it emotional, even if the script doesn’t fully deliver. They’ll forever be one of horror’s most iconic duos.
The cameos from past Conjuring-verse characters (Annabelle fans, you’ll notice!) were a nice touch. And yes, stay for the post-credit scene with real footage of the Warrens.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is definitely not the scariest, but as a send-off, it’s heartfelt and meaningful.
If you’ve followed the franchise from The Conjuring to The Devil Made Me Do It, through Annabelle, The Nun, and even the unpopular, The Curse of La Llorona, you’ll probably appreciate the emotional closure, even if the horror side is weaker.
