Review: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ is a fitting conclusion to the franchise

Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith as young Lorraine and Ed in ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites.’ Photo Credit: Giles Keyte, Warner Bros.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites,” directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves, was released to theaters on September 5th.

It was produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” was inspired by true events.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as Ed and Lorraine Warren. They have great chemistry together, which feels natural and authentic, and they are able to carry this film on their shoulders for one final time.

Mia Tomlinson is superb as their college-aged daughter Judy and it is nice to see the family dynamics in that aspect.

Ben Hardy also plays Judy’s boyfriend Tony Spera while Steve Coulter returns as Father Gordon. The cast also features Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, John Brotherton and Shannon Kook.

Chaves directed from an interesting screenplay by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick.

From the opening scene up until the end, it manages to keep the audience at the edge of their seats… it is intense and terrifying.

Orion Smith delivers the most compelling performance of his acting career as Young Ed opposite an equally exceptional Madison Lawlor as a Young Lorraine, and they both help elevate this complex story to a higher level. They instantly become the new heart and soul of the movie.

While some fans might be sad or angry that this popular film series is now over, “Last Rites” truly honors the original story by delivering chills and thrills, and it able to wrap up that Conjuring cinematic universe in a way that feels fulfilling and worthy.

The Verdict

Overall, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a slow burner but a fitting sendoff to “The Conjuring” franchise.

It is chilling, mysterious, suspenseful, and thoroughly entertaining. The multiple twists and turns keep the story intriguing. The acting performances all around are riveting and memorable. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” garners four out of five stars.