The Conjuring: Last Rites is easily one of the best of the entire franchise. Not only is it terrifying, it isn’t afraid to get emotional while wrapping up.
The Conjuring franchise is pretty terrifying overall. To say that it is filled with iconic moments is a bit of an understatement. Even though the third Conjuring film left quite a bit to be desired, the trailers alone proved that The Conjuring: Last Rites was going all out to wrap up the franchise, and it did just that.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as Lorraine and Ed Warren, but it has been made pretty clear this is the final time we will see them in these roles. Honestly, this is quite sad. As someone who only recently dove headfirst into this franchise and fell in love with it, I would be thrilled to see it continue. But all good things must come to an end, and thankfully, The Conjuring: Last Rites assures the franchise goes out with a blood-curdling scream.
The Conjuring: Last Rites Surprisingly Gets Emotional
While we have gotten to know Ed and Lorraine Warren over the years, this film does focus its opening on the past. Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith play younger versions of the beloved characters, and do so brilliantly. Not only do they somehow look exactly like Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, but they also perfectly embody the mannerisms of the characters.
As viewers learn more about the Warrens’ past, it becomes clear that this movie is not just going to be scary, but it is going to be an emotional roller coaster. As a parent of two daughters, it was easy to connect with the storyline surrounding the Warrens and their daughter, Judy. She has been a part of past films as well, but this time around, things were centered around her even more.
I cannot believe I cried (multiple times) during a horror movie, but here we are. There are several moments that really got me in my feels. All happening between absolutely terrifying scares, so it is safe to say my feelings were all over the place while watching The Conjuring: Last Rites.
The Conjuring: Last Rites Goes Back To What Works
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It was not the best of the franchise. In fact, it was probably the worst. That isn’t to say that it doesn’t have its moments, because it does, but overall, it sort of fell flat. The film focused more on an individual and a court trial rather than a haunted house, which is what makes the franchise so scary and entertaining.
The Conjuring: Last Rites goes back to the roots of what makes this franchise so good. While there are a lot of emotional aspects, especially when it comes to the Warrens, there is still a family being tormented by a demonic force. This is something that the previous film severely lacked.
Is The Conjuring: Last Rites Scary?
I wouldn’t say I get scared easily, but when I do, I become a baby. That said, I love to be scared. Nothing makes me happier than watching a movie through my fingers as I push my body as far away from the screen as humanly possible. And I admit that is how I watched the majority of this film.
There are brilliantly placed jump scares, as well as several creatures, demons, monsters (whatever you want to call them) that are terrifying to look at. The Conjuring: Last Rites goes all out, knowing it is the end of the franchise. The third act is epic, to say the least, throwing scare after scare at the audience, while weaving in just enough of an emotional arc to have fans holding back tears, all while their hearts are pounding out of their chests.
Overall Thoughts On The Conjuring: Last Rites
The Conuring: Last Rites probably isn’t the scariest of the franchise, and it might not be the best either, but it is easily towards the top of both of these lists. Knowing this is the end of the Warrens’ on-screen journey is sad, but at least they are going out with a bang.
I never thought I would cry at a Conjuring movie, and yet, I cried several times during this final film. This is the perfect way to wrap things up. The blend of horror and heart is something I never expected this franchise to be able to pull off, and I am so happy they did.
NEXT: The Conjuring: Last Rites Interview: A Terrifying Look Behind the Curtain with Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith
About The Conjuring: Last Rites
The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as Lorraine and Ed Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.
The Conjuring: Last Rites comes to theaters on September 5th.
