The Conjuring: Last Rites is scheduled for release in theatres on September 5, 2025. The franchise will mark the chilling return of Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The film will also mark the final chapter in The Conjuring franchise. The film follows the paranormal duo as they confront the notorious Smurl haunting in 1986 Pennsylvania, exploring the emotional and physical toll their investigations take in their later years. However, is the finale the goodbye the franchise lovers deserved? Let’s find out.
The Conjuring: Last Rites critic reviews suggest a stale goodbye
The Conjuring: Last Rites will be the final instalment in the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The bittersweet moment had come with many expectations, but it seems like the critics are not that impressed. According to the Cinemablend website, Perri Nemiroff, a critic who has closely followed the series since the first Conjuring films, praised the performances of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Stating that their casting as Ed and Lorraine has to be the ‘very best casting of all time’ and emphasising that their warmth, determination, and magnetic chemistry remain undiminished. She stated:
“Yes, I like some Conjuring movies more than others, but the one thing that has never wavered is how abundantly clear it is that Wilson & Farmiga are giving every ounce of themselves to these roles.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan Sims of Coming Soon noted that while it was enjoyable to see Wilson and Farmiga paired once again, the film itself doesn’t reinvent the wheel. He calls it a ‘mediocre entry’ and stated that The Conjuring: Last Rites is a lesser version of the film series. He added that the film is not scary and surprisingly dull at times. He particularly highlights the film’s return to the haunted house storyline as a less compelling choice for a finale. On the other hand, Andre St. Albin offers one of the most positive takes online, calling The Conjuring: Last Rites a ‘must-see epic conclusion.’
St. Albin shared that Mia Tomlinson adds emotional depth as the Warren’s daughter, ‘Judy’. He added that while surprise cameos and a moving send-off scene provide fans with a satisfying closure. He also encourages viewers to stay for the post-credits sequence, which features archival footage of the Warrens battling demons. He concluded by calling The Conjuring: Last Rites a successful wrap to the franchise and stated: “
“Farmiga and Wilson have always been the series’ heart, and they shine in this fitting, spooky sendoff.”
More about The Conjuring franchise
The Conjuring: Last Rites will be the fourth instalment in The Conjuring series, following The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Directed by Michael Chaves and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film is set for release in September 2025, four years after the last part was released. The film follows the adventures of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators who solve some of the world’s most haunting cases. The film can also be considered a sister sequel to the Annabelle and The Nun series.
Are you excited to see The Conjuring: Last Rites? Let us know.
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