Review: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ is a Horrorshow Elevated by Sublime Acting Performances
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Readtime: 4 min
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When The Conjuring hit in 2013, it was a welcome prestige horror throwback. Based on the true case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the James Wan film was anchored by strong performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the leading duo. Shot with a gothic flair, it was a legitimately unsettling outing that hit big at the box office and launched an entire universe of screams.
Twelve years and nine movies later (eleven if you count the very loosely connected Annabelle spin-offs Wolves at the Door and the much-maligned The Curse of La Llorona), the once-haunted house has become a fairly by-rote formula of sequels, spin-offs, and CGI-enhanced ghoulies. Presented as the case that ended Warren’s career, The Conjuring: Last Rites is intended to turn off the lights. Or so we think…
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Director Michael Chaves, who has now helmed more of this universe than founding director James Wan, delivers exactly what you expect. There’s a prologue tethered to the Warrens’ past that helps build out more of the mythology behind the family’s line of work and establishes a backstory for daughter Judy Warren, played here by Mia Tomlinson.
Judy has appeared throughout the series, most prominently in 2019’s Annabelle Comes Home. The more grounded nature of the early films has been quietly exorcised in favour of bigger and bigger spectral spectacles, but there are still enough jump scares and a story that’s interesting enough to warrant the price of admission.
The Power of Acting Compels You
Farmiga and Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren once again prove what horror has known since Universal’s classic monster days: great actors elevate the genre. Their chemistry makes even the most predictable beats work, and newcomers Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy (as daughter Judy and boyfriend Tony) help to keep things focused on the family.
Long-time supporting player Steve Coulter’s Father Gordon returns, and there are a number of surprise cameos from characters once haunted in previous films. Keep a sharp eye out for the real Judy Warren in the party scene and a cameo from series founder James Wan near the end.
Chaves Keeps the Faith (Sort Of)
Chaves definitely knows his shadows and his stormy nights, but after several tours of duty in this universe (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Nun II), one wonders what fresh blood might have brought to the Warrens’ farewell. Last Rites often feels more dutiful than daring, staying true to a financially proven formula.
There is a surprisingly hopeful throughline about facing fears instead of running from them, and the closing grace note offers a respectful sendoff. The Warrens deserve a chance to rest in peace, and Last Rites provides a fitting finale. Maybe after nine films, the audience deserves a rest too, but then again, most horror franchises never stay dead for long. The credits continue the tradition of real images and footage from the Warrens’ personal archives, including a final image that explains the origins of the series’ title.
★★★☆☆
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