The Conjuring: Last Rites
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
The case that ended it all after 37 films in 17 years. That's a success that so many franchises have failed to replicate except this one. Scott Mendelson (writer at Forbes) claims The Conjuring is the first successful post-Avengers cinematic universe with ten films in twelve years. It's a franchise that has continued to traumatise and captivate audiences around the world, with it all now coming to an explosive close. Fresh off his work on the last two films in the franchise, director Michael Chavez returns to close the story of the Warrens with their 1980 Pennsylvania case involving the haunting of Jack and Janet Smurl.
Much like the other entries in this franchise, The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers on its MA15+ rating with images of disturbing violence and extremely frightening sequences. The film also features a heavy use of religious symbolism while providing a significant framework for exploring the supernatural. Furthermore, it should be noted that this film is based on real events; therefore, it is not recommended for those sensitive to religious material used in horror films, especially those with a strong sense of truth and sensitivity.
Trailer contains disturbing details.
It's this truth that again forms the foundation of the story. After retiring from their work as paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) struggle to return to everyday life with their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend, Tony (Ben Hardy). Whilst being haunted by apparitions of the past, they must step back into the paranormal limelight one last time and take on their most disturbing case yet, the haunted Smurl’s home.
Check out The One Thing podcast - How can movies open the door to meaningful conversations about faith?
Reel Dialogue's Russ Matthews joins us to share how films can help spark gospel conversations in everyday life. We discuss why asking good questions and listening well are essential, how couples can partner in mission together, and what Russ has learned from using mainstream movies as a starting point for sharing Jesus.
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With the original 2013 Conjuring, infamously earning an R rating in the United States based solely on its imagery, the bar for horror is set incredibly high for the 10th film in the franchise. Though not executed to the same standard as James Wan's first two films, Chavez continues to grow in his skill for entwining an entertaining story with visuals that'll leave the audience keeping the lights on before bed. Though a few moments edge towards blockbuster special effects extravaganza, Last Rites shines brightest (or darkest?) in its more intimate scares.
Though despite its sequences of horror and nightmarish imagery, the cinematography on display by Eli Born (Companion) is ironically nothing short of magical and picturesque. Whether it's close-ups on Vera Farmiga's Lorrain Warren as she realises the misshapen hand on her daughter's shoulder, or capturing the suburban landscape of the 1980s, it's all done with warmth and perfectly places the film in a universe running parallel to reality.
This outing is at its most effective when it’s playing its cards closest to its chest, retelling and whispering true events, as opposed to using every tool in the box to create a horror spectacle (of which there is one blatant sequence of this). This is where the film is most at odds with itself. Balancing a true story with creating a horror film on a budget with a cast; and that cast is as charming as ever.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmigar, return as real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren. Mia Tomlinson also makes her first appearance in this franchise as Ed and Lorrain’s clairvoyant daughter, Judy Warren (previously played by Sterling Jerins and McKenna Grace). The heart of this film, let alone the entire 10 film franchise, has always rested upon the shoulders of Patrick Wilson's and Vera Vermigar’s chemistry with each other, their ability to understand these characters and their knack for charming audiences with their on screen romance. This is no exception. Both characters are fleshed out and given more emotional complexity than previous entries, at points even delivering a few heartwarming moments of comedic relief.
In line with these warmer tones, towards the end of the film, a touching monologue is delivered by a member of the cast on the future of Ed and Lorrain Warren. It serves as a tribute to real-life paranormal investigators and their impact on the field, while also acting as a capstone to this ten-film franchise. That's the best thing about this chapter, it may not be the most subtextual of plots or the most terrifying of films, but it's a non-stop horror-filled thrill ride sending off one of the greatest horror franchises of the 21st century.
Reel Dialogue: Does the spiritual realm exist?
The questions that this film unpacks leads to many fascinating paths of consideration. Ed and Lorraine Warren’s discussions about the world’s lack of acknowledgment of the devil’s existence hinted at the famous quote from The Usual Suspects,
‘The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.’
Regardless of the viewers’ belief in the methodology of these Catholic practitioners, they do a masterful job of defending what they believe about God, the power of the Word of God, and Satan’s minions. Discussions and actions should do more than entertain by challenging people to look beyond the theatrics to consider the existence of the spiritual realm.
The Conjuring: Last Rites could be simply labelled as another horror movie that contains exorcism as a theme. Still, there is more to consider for those who enjoy this genre. The true value of this narrative is what it forces audiences to consider: Does the spiritual realm exist? If it does, do demons, angels, and God exist, too?
Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
