By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is a chilling, heartfelt conclusion to one of horror cinema’s most iconic franchises. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it doesn’t need to, as what it offers is a satisfying and emotional farewell that fans will truly appreciate.
As always, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga shine as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their chemistry remains off the scale, and this final outing cements their status as one of the greatest on-screen couples of all time, not just in horror, but across genres. They carry the emotional weight of the film with ease, making every scene between them resonate deeply.
New additions Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, portraying Judy Warren and her partner Tony, also impress. While they don’t quite match the iconic chemistry of Wilson and Farmiga, they’re a welcome and refreshing presence. Their dynamic feels natural and full of potential. Should the franchise decide to continue in any form, there’s a clear foundation here worth exploring.
Aesthetically, the film perfectly captures a realistic 1980s vibe. The attention to detail in the costumes, production design, and sets is first-rate, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere. While the cinematography isn’t overly flashy, there are several striking and creative camera choices that elevate the overall quality, adding mood and tension in just the right places.
From a storytelling perspective, Last Rites delivers a fitting conclusion. While the opening 30 minutes suffer slightly from uneven pacing, occasionally feeling stop-start, the film finds its rhythm soon after, never looking back. The narrative may not break new ground, but it tells its story with confidence, care, and emotional depth. This is a film that knows what it’s trying to do, and does it well.
The scares are solid throughout, with a few standout jump scares that will catch audiences off guard. More importantly, the final act builds tension masterfully, culminating in a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion.
There are also plenty of familiar faces making subtle guest appearances, most of which are handled with a light touch that never distracts from the main story. These moments feel like genuine tributes rather than forced fan service.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is a strong and fitting farewell for the Warrens. Despite a slightly uneven first act, it ultimately delivers on scares, atmosphere, and emotion. With excellent performances, especially from Wilson and Farmiga, and a clear focus on the theme of family, which is a core trait of the series, this is one of the strongest entries in the wider Conjuring universe. A haunting, heartfelt goodbye.
TRIGGER WARNING: Dog
In the final act of the movie, there is a brief scene where the family dog is thrown against the wall and gives out a short yelp. The dog is visibly a CGI creation and is seen unharmed moments later, and in every scene it is in after that.
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