Conjuring Last Rites: a middling adieu to the franchise

"Conjuring: Last Rites" delivers exactly what you’d expect from another entry in the franchise—moody atmosphere, a few solid scares, and the ever-reliable duo of Ed and Lorraine Warren—but it never quite shakes off a feeling of déjà vu. The storyline this time circles around a chilling case tied to a church and a series of unexplained, violent deaths that seem to stem from a dark, unfinished ritual. As always, the Warrens find themselves caught between protecting innocent families and confronting a force that seems intent on breaking them down, especially Lorraine, whose visions are more disturbing and personal than ever.

Ed and Lorraine are back for one final rite!

The setup has strong potential, mixing the religious undertones that the Conjuring films often lean into with a sense of mystery around the ritual’s origins. Early sequences carry that eerie tension the series is known for, with shadows, whispers, and an atmosphere that keeps you on edge. But after a while, the movie starts to slide into formula. Many of the scares can be predicted a beat before they happen, and the pacing dips, particularly in the middle where exposition starts to drag down the suspense. The climax tries to ramp things up with big, intense set-pieces, but it ends up feeling more familiar than frightening.

Where "Last Rites" still works is in its performances. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson continue to breathe life into the Warrens, giving them a believable emotional core. Their bond and the way they anchor each other make the movie worth sitting through. Without that heart, the film might feel like just another generic haunted-house story.

In the end, "Conjuring: Last Rites" isn’t a failure, but it doesn’t break new ground either. It’s the kind of movie that scratches the horror itch if you’re in the mood but won’t stick with you for long after the credits roll. For long-time fans of the franchise, it’s a fine continuation, though it doesn’t quite hit the highs of the earlier installments.