The Conjuring: Last Rites Rated R Motion Picture Rating (MPA) by for bloody/violent content and terror.
If there’s one thing The Conjuring: Last Rites proves, it’s that the horror genre can still deliver genuine scares while making you feel something real. Walking out of the theater, I wasn’t just rattled by jump scares I felt the weight of decades of storytelling, of lives spent chasing shadows, and the human cost behind it all. For a franchise that’s been thrilling audiences for over a decade, this latest entry not only lives up to the mythos of Ed and Lorraine Warren but, in many ways, surpasses it. It’s both a chilling horror experience and a surprisingly touching farewell.
Even if you’ve grown skeptical of long-running horror franchises, Last Rites finds ways to feel fresh. It’s not just about exorcisms, haunted houses, or spooky attic sequences it’s about legacy, love, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people doing extraordinary work.
The Story & What It Tries to Say
The story follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, because apparently, these two just can’t retire on what’s billed as their “final case”: the Smurl Haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, circa 1986. Cue the ominous music, shaky doors, and the usual “objects moving for no reason” antics. But don’t get too comfortable thinking it’s just another haunted-house formula. The film insists that the Warrens are emotionally complex creatures, weary of chasing ghosts yet somehow still willing to put their sanity and the safety of their family on the line.
From the start, the Smurl house makes you wonder why anyone would live there. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and the supernatural inhabitants have zero respect for boundaries. But beyond the flying chairs and demonic whispers, the film actually wants you to care about the people inside. Yes, horror with feelings! The family at the center isn’t just screaming in terror for the sake of it they’re unraveling under the strain, relationships fraying like old carpet, and the Warrens are expected to swoop in with decades of experience and calm, soothing words.
As the haunting escalates, the Warrens’ own fragility becomes glaringly obvious. They’re not invincible paranormal robots they’re tired humans lugging around decades of trauma, juggling faith, exhaustion, and the occasional existential dread that “maybe we should have just retired ten years ago.” Yet somehow, between the growling shadows and the occasional demonic headspin, they manage to act as both guardians and exorcists. And yes, there are moments that are genuinely terrifying if you can stop rolling your eyes at the franchise tropes long enough to notice.
The climax is as much about emotional endurance as it is about demon-slaying theatrics. Evil is not neatly packaged, and the Warrens are painfully aware that some scars don’t fade. Still, they fight, they persevere, and, against all odds, they save the day or at least enough of it to keep the franchise alive for another round of sequels.
Underneath all the screams and creaking floorboards, Last Rites is really about the human cost of playing hero. It’s about love, duty, and the faintly ridiculous notion that two people can spend decades confronting literal evil without completely cracking. The movie winks at this absurdity, but it also leans into the idea that courage is messy, exhausting, and occasionally hilariously over-ambitious.
And then there’s the legacy angle. The Warrens have left a trail of supernatural interventions—and, honestly, a fair amount of collateral chaos. The film nudges you to ask: what are we leaving behind? And yes, it does this all while delivering jump scares that you can practically predict but still scream at anyway. It’s horror, it’s melodrama, it’s a family saga, and it knows exactly how seriously ridiculous it all is and that’s kind of the point.
Performances & Characters
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, and their chemistry continues to anchor the series. Wilson’s portrayal of Ed carries both the weight of decades of experience and a dry, understated humor that occasionally cuts through the tension, reminding the audience that these characters are human. Farmiga, meanwhile, imbues Lorraine with a deep emotional resonance her fear, hope, and strength feel lived-in rather than performative. Watching them navigate the supernatural chaos around them, it’s impossible not to feel invested in their journey.
Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, playing Judy and Tony Spera, provide fresh perspectives while connecting the story to a new generation. Tomlinson’s Judy is thoughtful and conflicted, wrestling with the legacy of her parents’ work. Hardy’s Tony brings grounded energy, acting as both foil and support. Together, their dynamic adds layers to the narrative, reminding us that even in a world filled with demons, human relationships are what matter most.
The supporting cast, including Steve Coulter as Father Perez, is more than functional they feel like part of this haunted universe, giving the film texture and depth. Each character, whether central or peripheral, contributes to the sense that this story is larger than just the Warrens it’s about community, connection, and confronting darkness, both literal and metaphorical.
Direction, Visuals & Pacing
Michael Chaves has carved a niche in horror that blends old-fashioned suspense with cinematic polish, and Last Rites is a testament to that skill. The film is paced deliberately, letting tension build slowly rather than relying on constant jump scares. Some of the best moments come in the quiet, unsettling silences where the audience is left to imagine the unseen.
Visually, the film is stunning. Chaves uses shadow and light to create an almost tactile sense of dread the suburban homes feel lived-in, yet eerily vulnerable to the forces that invade them. Cinematographer captures the claustrophobia of haunted spaces, the eeriness of darkened corridors, and the emotional intimacy in quieter family moments. There’s a rhythm to the editing that keeps you on edge while allowing for emotional beats to land naturally.
Special effects are seamlessly integrated. Nothing feels cheap or jarring; the supernatural elements enhance the story without overshadowing it. The film also leans on practical effects in moments, giving certain scares a tangible, raw quality that CGI alone rarely achieves.
The Conjuring: Last Rites 2025 Parents Guide
Violence & Gore: People (and Fido) being hanged, struck, burned, choked like someone decided Halloween should come early and happen indoors. Blood spurts that don’t peek they launch themselves onto the screen.A baby or at least it’d make you feel as helpless gets thrown around, and there’s an axe threat long enough that you’d question your life choices.Skin tears. Vomiting blood and broken glass. A hand spontaneously igniting. Yeah, it’s cinematic chaos rich with fleshy detail.
Language: Expect:One “f**k” dropped like its toxic., Bonus round of “asshole,” “damn,” and spiritual exclamations like “Jesus,” “Christ,” and “God” (because of course someone’s invoking the big guy in a haunted house).
Sexual Content: There’s no sextual content
Substance/ Drugs Use: Characters driven to suicide or encouraged toward it under demonic influence. There’s also a suicide attempt with a “healing outcome” (as if that’s reassuring).
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
The Conjuring: Last Rites succeeds where many horror sequels falter it respects its characters, its audience, and its own legacy.
This is a movie for anyone who loves horror that doesn’t just rely on cheap shocks. It’s for those who appreciate character-driven stories, emotional stakes, and a sense of history woven into the scares. It’s a movie that reminds us horror can be about humanity just as much as it is about ghosts.
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Release date: September 5, 2025 (United States)
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I am a journalist with 10+ years of experience, specializing in family-friendly film reviews.