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The Conjuring: Last Rites Review
Have you ever experienced something repeatedly until it loses its excitement? I can’t relate, as I avoid roller coasters entirely. Yet, that was the sensation watching The Conjuring: Last Rites.
This film represents the fourth and final entry in the Conjuring series, spanning over 12 years and marking the ninth addition to the expansive Conjuring universe, which includes five successful spinoffs. The franchise, which has proven lucrative for Warner Bros., follows the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, respectively. Each film draws inspiration from one of their haunting cases, and Last Rites centers around what is depicted as their ultimate investigation.
A Flashback to Begin the Journey
Set in 1986, we find the Warrens giving a lecture in a sparsely filled auditorium. The attending college students seem more enamored with making Ghostbusters jokes than absorbing the Warrens’ insights. At this juncture in their careers, the pair has taken a step back from investigations. Ed refers to it as a mere pause, albeit reluctantly admitting it is to prevent further health issues.
A Disturbing Origin Story
However, the film opens with a flashback to 1964, showcasing Ed and a pregnant Lorraine tackling their first demonic case. This leads them to an antique store where they discover a sinister full-length mirror adorned with eerie carvings of three babies. Lorraine, feeling an ominous presence, lightly touches the glass, leading to a cracking sound and her unexpectedly going into labor. In a frantic rush to the hospital, Lorraine gives birth to a stillborn child. In a miraculous turn of events, as Lorraine prays over the lifeless baby, the child suddenly cries out, bringing joy to the couple as they welcome their daughter Judy.
The Mirror’s Dark Legacy
Fast forward to modern-day West Pittston in Pennsylvania, where the Smurl family’s tranquility shatters after the grandparents unknowingly gift their teenage granddaughter the same possessed mirror for her confirmation. Incredibly, it still bears the unsettling crack. One might wonder why they didn’t simply replace the glass beforehand or opt for a simple cash gift instead.
True to classic haunted house narratives, the paranormal events start subtly. A candle flickers out, a toy doll moves seemingly on its own, and a shadowy figure lurks in the background, only to be unremarkably revealed as a poster of John Wayne. This is standard paranormal fare. However, matters escalate when the two teenage daughters attempt to dispose of the hideous mirror.
A Lengthy and Uneven Narrative
With a runtime of two hours and 15 minutes, Last Rites disappointingly keeps the Warrens absent from West Pittston until nearly an hour and a half in. The narrative largely revolves around Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson, who shares her mother’s gift of sensing spirits and demons but lacks the requisite skills to confront them. Ultimately, Judy unites with her parents in a climactic and lackluster showdown against the malevolent force haunting them and the Smurls.
The film also devotes considerable time to Judy’s boyfriend Tony, portrayed by Ben Hardy, whose desperate attempts to win over her parents feel more like a distraction than a meaningful subplot. Unfortunately, he proves rather ineffectual in the face of supernatural challenges.
The Heart of the Franchise
Despite these shortcomings, Farmiga and Wilson bring some emotional depth to The Conjuring franchise, helping steer Last Rites to the finish line, albeit with difficulty. Farmiga, in particular, portrays Lorraine’s struggle with the weight of safeguarding Judy from the dark entities that threaten them. However, this heightened focus on family drama comes at the expense of genuine thrills.
Missed Opportunities for True Terror
Effective horror relies on unforgettable scares, and the original The Conjuring excelled with its iconic dread-inducing scenes. In sharp contrast, Last Rites offers a series of forgettable frights that will likely fade from memory as soon as the credits roll.
One might chalk the flaws up to underwhelming writing or uninspired direction. Director Michael Chaves, returning after the previous installment and the spinoff The Nun II, feels overshadowed by his predecessor, James Wan, who is only credited as a producer this time. While Wan’s direction defined previous successes, Chaves appears to operate on autopilot.
A Lackluster Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites aims to conclude Ed and Lorraine Warren’s saga, yet it fails to deliver the epic finale it promises. The absence of spine-chilling scares ultimately renders this last chapter the weakest. For horror enthusiasts, only the first two films in the series merit a dedicated viewing.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is rated R for graphic content and heightened levels of terror. It runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes and is currently available in theaters.
