Who knew that a small Pennsylvania town could spawn the scariest movie of 2025? The Conjuring Last Rites brings Ed and Lorraine Warren’s journey to a terrifying close, but this isn’t just another horror sequel. Director Michael Chaves has crafted a film that serves as both the perfect goodbye to beloved characters and a clever roadmap for where this billion-dollar franchise heads next.
Released on September 5, 2025, The Conjuring Last Rites takes audiences back to 1986 for one final case with the legendary paranormal investigators. Based on the controversial Smurl family haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, the film marks the ninth entry in The Conjuring Universe timeline. This case was actually one of the most documented investigations in the real Ed and Lorraine Warren’s careers, making it a fitting choice for their cinematic swan song.
The movie opens with a familiar scene that fans of the franchise will recognize instantly. Ed and Lorraine Warren are investigating a haunting involving an antique mirror at a curio shop in 1964, setting up a tragic backstory that haunts them throughout the film. This opening sequence connects directly to events referenced in previous films, showing how the filmmakers carefully wove this final chapter into the existing narrative fabric.
What makes The Conjuring Last Rites special is how it brings together elements from across the entire franchise. Characters from the original The Conjuring film, including Lili Taylor and Mackenzie Foy as Carolyn and Cindy Perron, make appearances at Ed’s birthday party scene. Frances O’Connor and Madison Wolfe return as Peggy and Janet Hodgson from The Conjuring 2, while Julian Hilliard reprises his role as David Glatzel from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.
The Conjuring Last Rites Real Story Behind the Pennsylvania Case
The film introduces us to the Smurl family, who move into their dream home in West Pittston only to discover it harbors a malevolent presence. Jack and Janet Smurl, along with their children, experience escalating supernatural attacks that start with minor disturbances but quickly turn violent and personal. The Conjuring Last Rites characters include Mia Tomlinson as adult Judy Warren and Ben Hardy as Tony Spera, showing how the Warren legacy continues through the next generation.
Unlike previous films in the series, this installment takes a more personal approach to the horror. The Warrens are shown dealing with Ed’s declining health and their own mortality, adding emotional weight to every supernatural encounter. Their decision to take on the Smurl case as their final investigation gives the film a poignant undertone that sets it apart from earlier entries.
The real Smurl haunting lasted from 1974 to 1989, but The Conjuring Last Rites real story condenses these events into a more manageable timeline. According to historical accounts, the family experienced everything from flying objects and foul odors to physical and sexual assaults by demonic entities. The Warrens investigated the case in 1986, collecting audio evidence and ultimately declaring the house possessed by a powerful demon.
Director Michael Chaves, who also helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, brings his signature style to this finale. The film balances practical effects with modern filmmaking techniques, creating scares that feel both fresh and consistent with the franchise’s established tone. Chaves has mentioned in interviews that he wanted this final film to honor both the characters’ journey and the real people whose lives were affected by these events.
The film’s place in The Conjuring Universe chronology is significant as it occurs in 1986, five years after the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This timeline placement allows the movie to reference previous cases while showing how the Warrens have evolved as both investigators and as a couple. Their relationship dynamic reflects years of facing supernatural threats together, making their final case feel like a natural conclusion to their story arc.
The Conjuring Last Rites Reviews and Critical Reception
Box office numbers show that audiences were ready for this farewell, with The Conjuring Last Rites earning $244 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. The film opened to $84 million domestically, marking the best opening in franchise history and proving that fans still have an appetite for Warren-centric stories. Critics praised Wilson and Farmiga’s performances while noting that the film successfully balances franchise obligations with emotional storytelling.
The Conjuring Last Rites reviews highlight the film’s strengths in character development and practical scares while noting some predictability in the horror sequences. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 57% critics score, with the consensus praising the leads’ final performances while suggesting the film serves as a solid if not spectacular conclusion. Many reviewers appreciated how the movie respects both the fictional characters and the real families whose stories inspired the franchise.
What sets this entry apart is its role as a bridge between past and future. The film features cameo appearances from real-life Tony Spera and Judy Warren, connecting the fictional narrative to the actual people who continue the Warrens’ work today. James Wan, the franchise creator, even makes an uncredited cameo appearance at the film’s end, symbolically passing the torch to the next generation of storytellers.
The movie’s ending opens doors for future installments while providing closure for longtime fans. Mia Tomlinson’s portrayal of adult Judy Warren establishes her as a potential lead for future films, with producer Peter Safran confirming that Judy’s real-life paranormal investigations could inspire upcoming projects. This transition ensures that The Conjuring Universe can continue even without Wilson and Farmiga’s central presence.
The Conjuring Last Rites Interview Details and Future Universe Plans
Behind-the-scenes details reveal the care taken to honor the franchise’s legacy. Benjamin Wallfisch composed the score, taking over from Joseph Bishara who scored the previous three main films, bringing a fresh musical perspective while maintaining thematic continuity. The production filmed in London from September to November 2024, with the cast and crew knowing they were creating something special as the final Warren-centered film.
The Conjuring Last Rites also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the franchise on horror cinema. Since 2013, The Conjuring Universe has generated over $2 billion worldwide, proving that audiences still crave well-crafted supernatural horror stories. The success has spawned not just sequels but entire sub-franchises focusing on entities like Annabelle and Valak the Nun.
Looking ahead, Warner Bros. has announced that a second phase of films is in active development following the success of The Conjuring Last Rites. These future projects may include the long-awaited Crooked Man film, additional Nun installments, and stories focusing on Judy Warren’s investigations. The franchise’s expansion into television is also being explored, with James Wan and Peter Safran attached as executive producers for potential series.
The film’s treatment of the real Smurl family story walks a careful line between entertainment and respect for actual trauma. While skeptics have questioned the authenticity of the original case, the movie presents the family’s experiences as genuine while avoiding exploitation. This respectful approach has become a hallmark of the main Conjuring films, distinguishing them from many other horror franchises.
The Conjuring Last Rites proves that even after four films, there are still meaningful stories to tell within this universe. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s final performances as Ed and Lorraine Warren provide the emotional anchor that elevates the supernatural scares into something more profound. Their legacy continues through both the fictional characters they’ve brought to life and the real families whose stories have touched millions of viewers worldwide.
