⭐️⭐️½ / 4
The Conjuring: Last Rites tries to close out one of modern horror’s most successful franchises with a sense of finality, but it never fully escapes the trappings of familiarity. The film’s biggest hurdle is its overly long first act, which drags its feet with setup that feels stretched well past its welcome. Once the story finally kicks into gear, the script itself doesn’t do much to surprise—playing out like a paint-by-numbers supernatural thriller where most beats can be spotted well in advance.
That said, the direction is sturdy, never sloppy, and the performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again anchor the movie with a grounded, emotional core. Their chemistry and commitment have always been the series’ greatest asset, and Last Rites is no exception.
As a finale, it’s fitting—wrapping up the Warrens’ saga with a sense of closure without resorting to wild reinventions or risky swings. But it’s also nothing that reinvents the wheel or leaves the audience buzzing after the credits roll. In the end, The Conjuring: Last Rites is a forgettable but enjoyable popcorn flick: not destined to haunt you long after, but just entertaining enough while the lights are low.
