Cover Lorraine faces one of the demons in the basement on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Lorraine faces one of the demons in the basement on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ brings the Warrens’ story full circle with haunting scares, emotional depth and a powerful focus on their daughter Judy
Since 2013, The Conjuring franchise has terrified audiences with its blend of supernatural horror and real-life paranormal investigations. The original film introduced us to Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), a devoted couple investigating the Perron family’s haunted farmhouse. The Conjuring 2 took the Warrens to Enfield, England, where they tackled the infamous poltergeist tormenting the Hodgson family. In The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the film series shifted to a chilling court case involving demonic possession, marking a more investigative, procedural tone. Each entry explored not just malevolent spirits but the emotional toll of the Warrens’ work—and now, with The Conjuring: Last Rites, the saga draws to a haunting, heartfelt close. Spoilers ahead.
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Above The official poster of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
The official poster of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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Unlike the past three films, The Conjuring: Last Rites is not just centred on the family being disturbed by evil but also on Ed and Lorraine’s daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson). Now that Judy is all grown up, she begins to realise more and more that she shares the same gifts as her mum. She senses the presence around her. She sees the demons, too.
But unlike Lorraine, Judy was told growing up to shut it all out. She was always told to run away from what haunted her.
Some demons, however, are just too persistent. Certain ones have long wanted to take Judy from Ed and Lorraine—even before she was born.
Above Young Ed and Lorraine Warren in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above Ed and Lorraine Warren give lectures on paranormal investigation in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Young Ed and Lorraine Warren in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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The Conjuring: Last Rites focuses on Ed and Lorraine’s first case, one they ran away from years ago. Little did they know that what they fled from would eventually return to find and haunt them when they least expected it. Things begin to grow eerie within their family as one complication arises after another.
From Ed’s heart problems to Lorraine’s insistence on ending their investigations into paranormal encounters, all to avoid worsening Ed’s condition, the Warrens are already on edge.
At the same time, Judy is fighting her own battles, as more voices and ghostly appearances haunt her daily.
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Above Father Gordon on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above Judy has the same gifts and abilities as her mum Lorraine on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Father Gordon on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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Above Lorraine and Judy Warren in the Smurl home in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above The Smurl family in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (Image: courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
Lorraine and Judy Warren in the Smurl home in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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All of this ties into the Smurl family, who live in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. When a mirror is brought home as a gift for Heather Smurl from her grandparents, things start to get creepy in their once lively home. They start to see things, feel things. Like a classic horror film, inanimate objects start to move, encounters with the past start to occur.
Even though Ed and Lorraine turn down several families’ pleas for help, something—or someone—eventually leads them to the Smurl family, who may need them the most. The demons in their home start to hurt them physically, from vomiting glass to experiencing sleep paralysis-like attacks, but worse.
Above Heather Smurl looking at the mirror that started the horrors in their home in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above Judy starts to hear voices and see things just like her mum on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Heather Smurl looking at the mirror that started the horrors in their home in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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Above One of the demons haunting the Smurl family on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above A demon terrorising the Smurls' home on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
One of the demons haunting the Smurl family on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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It just so happens that the demons haunting this family are the same ones Ed and Lorraine encountered when they were young and just starting their careers. They faced the mirror when Lorraine was pregnant with Judy. Understandably, the Warrens turned away from the case to protect their daughter, but of course, evil has its ways. It clings. It follows. It possesses.
The theme of the film has shifted significantly from the first. The Conjuring: Last Rites is more dramatic than the previous entries. It might even be scarier, as we are introduced to new characters and new faces to fear. But the best part is that we get to see some iconic characters we’ve grown to love—Annabelle and Valak.
Above The Smurl family used to be a lively family until the demons started haunting their home on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above Tony Spera, Judy's future husband on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
The Smurl family used to be a lively family until the demons started haunting their home on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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Above Judy faces her fears and the demons that haunt her and the Smurl family on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Above Young couple Ed and Lorraine rush to the hospital after an eerie encounter with the mirror on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
Judy faces her fears and the demons that haunt her and the Smurl family on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
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This final film in the franchise is not only packed with jump scares and terrifying faces of evil, it also evokes emotion—from a mother’s love, a family’s bond and the pain of letting go when it matters most.
Was it a good end to the series? Yes, definitely. It’ll take you on a rollercoaster of emotions but, much like all the other films in the franchise, it leaves you wanting more. As we bid goodbye to The Conjuring universe, remember: “Evil loves innocence”. Stay safe out there, watchers.
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Images: courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
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Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
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A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
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