The Conjuring: Last Rites Review (2025) – The Final Chapter in the Franchise

Introduction

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) marks the ninth and final installment in the record-breaking Conjuring Universe, directed by Michael Chaves and produced by James Wan and Peter Safran. Released on 5 September 2025 in the United States (with earlier premieres in the Philippines, Mexico, and Indonesia), this supernatural horror film runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

With Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprising their iconic roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, and newcomers like Mia Tomlinson (as Judy Warren) and Ben Hardy (as Tony Spera), Last Rites closes the curtain on a franchise that has terrified audiences for over a decade.

Storyline and Plot Summary

Unlike earlier entries that leaned heavily on jump scares, The Conjuring: Last Rites invests in storytelling and narration, centering on one of the Warrens’ most infamous real-life cases: the Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania.

• The film opens in 1964, with Lorraine experiencing terrifying visions during childbirth, including the stillbirth of her daughter Judy.

• Decades later, the Smurl family moves into their Pennsylvania home, unknowingly welcoming a cursed mirror that becomes the source of demonic disturbances.

• The Warrens are reluctantly drawn out of retirement when Judy herself is lured by the mirror’s malevolent forces.

• The climax sees Ed, Lorraine, and Judy joining forces in a battle of faith and willpower, shattering the mirror and exorcising the demon.

The film ends on a poignant note: Judy marries Tony Spera, with familiar faces from past Conjuring cases appearing as wedding guests, creating a bittersweet send-off for long-time fans.

Direction, Performances, and Production

• Direction: Michael Chaves returns after The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), focusing more on atmosphere and family drama than on relentless scares.

• Performances: Wilson and Farmiga once again deliver emotionally charged performances, balancing the Warrens’ compassion with their battle against evil. Mia Tomlinson impresses in her feature debut, while Ben Hardy adds fresh energy.

• Production Values: Authenticity is heightened by the involvement of the real Smurl sisters, who provided details about their family home, van, and lived experiences. This makes the haunting feel grounded and believable.

How Scary Is The Conjuring: Last Rites?

While rated R (18+) for bloody/violent content and terror, the film is less frightening than previous sequels. The emphasis is on faith, family, and closure rather than pure horror. Fans expecting relentless jump scares may feel underwhelmed, but longtime followers will appreciate its emotional weight.

Age Rating

• United States: Rated R (Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent/guardian)

• United Kingdom: Expected 15 or 18 certificate (BBFC classification)

• India: Rated A (18+), strictly adults only

Release Details

• Release Date (US): 5 September 2025

• International Premieres: Began on 3 September 2025 (Philippines, Mexico, Indonesia)

• Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes

• Formats: 2D and 4DX, with shows reportedly near-full during opening weekend

Reception and Reviews

• Critics: Mixed to positive reception, with 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 54/100. Many praised its emotional storytelling but noted it lacked the terror of earlier entries.

• Audience: Conjuring loyalists view it as a must-watch farewell, while casual horror fans may find it underwhelming.

⭐ Our Rating: 3/5 – Worth watching for franchise fans, less so for those seeking pure scares.

Why The Conjuring: Last Rites Is a Must-Watch for Fans

• Brings closure to the Warrens’ cinematic journey

• Based on the true Smurl haunting case

• Features callbacks and cameos from earlier films

• Balances horror with faith, family, and legacy

• Serves as a respectful tribute to James Wan’s original vision

FAQ

Q1: Who directed The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)?
👉 Michael Chaves.

Q2: What is the release date of The Conjuring: Last Rites?
👉 5 September 2025 in the US, with earlier global releases starting 3 September 2025.

Q3: How long is The Conjuring: Last Rites?
👉 2 hours 15 minutes.

Q4: What does R-rated mean?
👉 In the US, R-rated films are Restricted: viewers under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. This usually means the film includes strong language, violence, blood, terror, or sexual content. In India, it’s simply considered 18+ only.

Q5: Is The Conjuring: Last Rites the final Conjuring movie?
👉 Yes, it is the last installment of the main Conjuring series.

Official Trailer

Final Verdict

The Conjuring: Last Rites may not be the scariest film in the franchise, but it is a fitting conclusion. By combining true events, heartfelt performances, and emotional closure, it cements the Conjuring legacy as the most successful horror franchise of all time.