Commentary: Are the ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Conjuring’ finales essentially the same movie?

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Be warned: this article reveals key plot details from both “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and the final “Downton Abbey” movie.

The final installments of two popular series, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” have just been released. While neither movie offered much in the way of new ideas, fans were eager to see how the stories and characters they loved would conclude, and turned out in large numbers to watch them in theaters.

I watched both films and noticed a lot of parallels, from their titles – “Last Rites” and “The Grand Finale” – to how they ended. While they aren’t exactly the same movie – the family in one isn’t haunted by a magical mirror, for instance – the resemblances were quite noticeable.

A troublesome house

The movies featuring Ed and Lorraine Warren, a fictionalized couple inspired by real paranormal investigators (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), have shown them helping many families. In contrast, the Crawley family in Downton Abbey has always focused on saving their single estate. However, the pressures of taxes and modern life that Downton faces, even in the final episode, are just as frightening to those who live there as any supernatural threat.

Movies

Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery share their thoughts on playing father and daughter in ‘Downton Abbey,’ the show’s conclusion, and paying tribute to Maggie Smith’s iconic performance in ‘The Grand Finale.’

Generational conflict

In the final episode of the series, Hugh Bonneville’s character, Lord Grantham, struggles to hand over control of Downton Abbey to his daughter, Lady Mary. Meanwhile, in “Last Rites,” Judy Warren’s parents are upset when she decides to independently revive the family business.

Beleaguered daughters

Lady Mary faces loneliness and social hardship after her divorce and being scammed. Judy Warren struggles with the emotional toll of seeing ghosts and being haunted by a demonic presence.

Attention to detail

“Downton Abbey” is famous for its detailed and beautiful depiction of upper-class life, recreating everything from the castle itself to everyday details like ironed newspapers and even new inventions like hair dryers. While very different in tone, “The Conjuring” also excelled at creating a believable world. In the film “Last Rites,” the Smurl family’s house feels instantly real, thanks to details like old furniture, everyday kitchen items, and even the phone cord stretched across the wall.

Review

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ puts a tombstone on a slackening spook series

The recent horror series with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga has ended, and honestly, it’s probably best that it did. The memories we have are good enough as they are, and continuing would likely have diminished them.

The costumes

I have to say, one of the things I always loved about “Downton Abbey” was the gorgeous fashion, and the finale didn’t let me down! Lady Mary and Lady Edith looked absolutely stunning in all their 1930s outfits. But honestly, I was even more fascinated by the costumes for Lorraine Warren – her ruffled collars and beautiful prints were amazing! And Ed’s style, with that slightly scholarly look, was a nice touch too. The details really made the show!

Exploration of class

When it was at its strongest, the show “Downton Abbey” highlighted how difficult life was for people with little money or social standing – a situation that closely mirrors the struggles of those who turn to the Warrens for help. In the episode “Last Rites,” the Smurl family stays in their haunted house simply because they can’t afford to move, and their neighbors have ostracized them.

Movies

As ‘The Grand Finale’ approaches, viewers will see Lady Mary take the reins at Downton Abbey, Edith discover her inner resilience, and Robert Crawley adjust to his changing circumstances with Cora by his side. These are just a few key storylines to remember before the final episode.

The nice-ification issue

Both of these popular series have been critiqued for portraying their main characters as too perfect. The real people behind the stories – the Warrens – were actually much more complex and often caused controversy, unlike their heroic depiction in movies. Similarly, the fictional Crawley family, with its wealth and status, wouldn’t realistically have such close and caring relationships with their staff.

The actual endings

The final episode of “Downton Abbey” sees Robert and Cora Crawley head to the Dower House together, while Mary, now in charge of Downton, remembers loved ones who have passed away, like Violet, Matthew, and Sybil. Meanwhile, the last scenes of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” feature Ed and Lorraine dancing at Judy’s wedding, a celebration attended by familiar faces from across the “Conjuring” universe, including characters from the first and second films. Director James Wan also makes a cameo appearance.

Whether you’ve spent your life safeguarding your family and property from the changes of the modern world, or helping others rid their homes of supernatural forces, things ultimately turn out well – a bit spooky, but happily ever after.

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2025-09-16 13:31