With James Wan at the helm, the first two Conjuring movies rank among the best horror films of the 21st century. His directorial presence was sorely missed in the disappointing third installment, and although Last Rites is a notable improvement, his absence is felt here too.
As the final chapter in the core Conjuring series, this does feel like a definitive ending for Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film delves deeper into their marriage and family life than prior entries, often resembling a family drama more than a straight-up horror movie. Make no mistake — there are still plenty of demons, exorcisms, and jump scares — but the greater emphasis on the Warrens’ personal lives feels fitting for their final cinematic bow. I really enjoyed this change of tone and pace, up to a point. With a runtime of over two hours, the film gives us plenty of time to simply exist in these characters’ lives while creepily setting up the main haunting. The problem is that the final case itself doesn’t pay off after such a solid setup.
This is where Wan’s absence is most noticeable. The movie rarely feels scary or inspired during its key moments of terror. There are a handful of effective scares and neat visuals, but much of it feels familiar — echoes of better horror films, including Wan’s own work. Wan has a knack for creativity: think of the iconic “hide and clap” scene from the first film, or the dog morphing into The Crooked Man in The Conjuring 2. Nothing here reaches that level of memorability. The climax is generic, and while the film teases higher stakes, they never truly feel that way. I also wish we’d spent more time with the family the Warrens are helping, as we did in the first two movies. This entry frustratingly skips past moments that could have deepened our connection to them.
The Conjuring: Last Rites has a strong setup but eventually succumbs to the same familiar tropes this extended universe has become known for. Thankfully, the character-driven drama surrounding the Warrens elevates the film. It has more heart than horror — feeling slightly off-balance, but ultimately serving as a satisfying swan song for Ed and Lorraine.
Available now through VOD platforms, with a physical media release on November 25.
Rating: ★★★
Review by: Benjamin Garrett