Why The Conjuring: Last Rites needs to be the end of the franchise

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The movie titled “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is said to mark the conclusion of a massive horror series that started in 2013 with James Wan’s film “The Conjuring”. As the title suggests, it seems this could be the final chapter of the franchise.

Just as the spirits that Lorraine and Ed Warren encountered throughout their decades-long battle seem to resurface, so too does history tend to repeat itself in Hollywood, with the past often making unexpected returns.

Despite this, let’s wish for the Warrens to fully embrace their retirement and avoid reappearing on our screens for a while.

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Following “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” the fourth installment in the primary series, which featured a true-crime courtroom style, offers an entertaining (yet somewhat predictable) addition to the franchise, further exploiting its notable strengths.

Negative, neither Annabelle nor Valak appear extensively throughout this piece. However, we’re indeed discussing Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who have found themselves cohabiting a haunted house attraction from the get-go.

Despite the exceptional quality of the initial two “Conjuring” films, largely due to the masterful work of horror genius James Wan, what really made these films stand out was the heartfelt charm and captivating presence that Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson brought to their roles as the Warrens. This added a unique touch that elevated the movies beyond the ordinary.

Gratefully, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” truly exceeds expectations. The longtime on-screen partnership between Farmiga and Wilson is evident, resulting in an authentic bond portrayed by them in their characters as Lorraine and Ed. This lived-in connection adds a layer of realism to the film.

It’s clear they’ve gone through tough times together, much like surviving both heaven and hell as a couple. This final installment of The Conjuring seems fitting as an emotional farewell for these unusual heroes. However, the deep bond and warmth that comes with a long-lasting marriage is also a signal that perhaps it’s time for The Conjuring series to end in 2025, having reached its poignant conclusion.

2013 marked a point where mainstream horror could benefit from a fresh perspective. At that time, most American filmmakers were focusing on sequels and remakes. However, an original tale that offered ample scares without being excessively terrifying arrived at the perfect moment to captivate audiences with its novelty.

Introduce an unexpected focus on family dynamics and that captivating camaraderie, it’s not surprising that The Conjuring was aptly compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the horror genre.

Similarly, just as with another interconnected universe, the decreased quality in numerous offshoots due to formulaic repetition has resulted in a sense of weariness among audiences.

Regardless of shifts in eras and settings, the “Conjuring” film series persistently clings to a particular type of startling shock technique – the classic jump scare you’re all too familiar with.

In every one of these films, mysterious sounds persistently lure us towards the dark corners, where we are usually met with an unsettling hush that is abruptly shattered by a loud sound and the unexpected emergence of a (frequently grinning) supernatural figure.

Those who easily brush off jump scares as mere cheap tactics might want to reconsider and watch these films again. After all, a skilled director can still create many sleepless nights with them. Just ask anyone who experienced the chilling effect of that hand-clap scene on their own, under the cover of darkness.

After a span of 12 years, it’s only natural that such frightening moments would start to feel less surprising, regardless of how skillfully they are created.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that Michael Chaves, who took over from James Wan, truly showcases his craft in this film. He skillfully leverages the experience he gained while working on “The Nun 2” and the earlier “Conjuring” movie to create an impactful experience for us horror enthusiasts.

Unsettling instances, ranging from eerie phone cords, television reflections, to a bridal suite, can send shivers down your spine. These moments may seem familiar as if borrowed from earlier versions, but still manage to provoke a sense of unease.

In terms of improving the Smurl haunting’s narrative, it could have learned from prior influences by selecting a more distinctive antagonist. Previous films introduced a variety of intriguing demons like Valak, The Crooked Man, and Annabelle, yet the villain in this case is poorly defined and quickly forgettable, despite its strong emotional bond with the Warrens.

The authors seem to have realized it themselves, as they repeatedly present Annabelle, yet her impact appears to decrease, while her comedic size seems to increase instead.

You can’t blame them for bringing back the franchise’s mascot one last time though.

As a dedicated gamer, I can vouch for the reassuring charm of the known. Just like how Ed and Lorraine find solace in their mutual embrace, there’s something delightfully predictable yet comforting about returning to a familiar gaming franchise. Sequels, much like our beloved games, offer that sense of homecoming where we know what to expect while still eagerly anticipating the fresh twists that don’t deviate too much from the original formula.

Even though horror is experiencing a resurgence on screen nowadays, it’s challenging not to find newer productions like “Together”, “Weapons”, “Sinners”, and “Bring Her Back” more appealing than “The Conjuring: Last Rites”. The film seems somewhat outdated and slow-paced in comparison. The fatherly mannerisms of Ed, along with his uncomfortable exchanges with his future son-in-law, reflect broader issues that the franchise has been grappling with over time.

As a gamer putting on my horror movie critic hat, I’ve got to say that The Conjuring always had a unique charm that made it stand out in the genre, even if it leaned heavily on Christian themes as a tribute to ’70s horror styles. Still, it left an impression. Unfortunately, Last Rites doesn’t quite live up to The Conjuring series or contemporary horror offerings. It seems to have diluted what we’ve come to expect from the Warrens’ on-screen appearances.

But this final Conjuring movie does recognise that now is the perfect time to bow out.

The narrative is carefully crafted with numerous connections being made between the ghostly tale and the protagonists’ initial investigation, through strategic flashbacks. Additionally, there are delightful surprise appearances of recognizable characters towards the end, so be sure to stay attentive as they seem to appear suddenly, similar to a startling surprise.

Above all, this ending provides a poignant, emotional conclusion for the Warrens, wrapping up the story beautifully. While it may seem overly romantic and sentimental, the underlying love in this series has always had a touch of sweetness (although it occasionally avoids addressing real-life controversies surrounding the couple).

Instead of extending the saga with additional tales as a means to build anticipation for future instalments, Last Rites gracefully brings an end to the Warrens’ story on their own terms. It’s only fitting that horror’s most treasured duo receive such a heartfelt farewell (no disrespect intended to Chucky and Tiffany Valentine, of course).

Still, there is a risk that this farewell may not end up being as final as you’d think.

Observing Mia Tomlinson’s character Judy explore her innate psychic abilities, which seem to be passed down from her mother, suggests that she could potentially continue the legacy and become the protagonist of a fresh tale all her own.

Additionally, the “Conjuring” TV series is also being worked on at HBO Max, though updates have been scarce since its announcement in April 2023.

Despite their apparent affection for these characters, it seems unlikely that Farmiga and Wilson will reprise their roles again. However, as history has shown us, Hollywood often continues stories regardless, right?

As a dedicated gamer, I’d say continuing The Conjuring saga past this point seems like a misstep. It’s not just about extending the franchise unnecessarily, but it also risks diluting the powerful impact of Last Rites. If we were to proceed without its original stars, well, history has shown us that such an endeavor would likely falter, as many spin-offs without them have already done.

The Warrens have always been known for laying to rest matters long past. Here’s hoping this last screen appearance of theirs will bring closure to the entire series of ‘The Conjuring’.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is out now in cinemas.

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2025-09-05 19:51