The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – Cast, Story, Release Date & Review

Introduction

After twelve years of spine-tingling supernatural investigations, the legendary Warren duo returns one final time in The Conjuring: Last Rites. Released in September 2025, this ninth installment in The Conjuring Universe brings the iconic horror franchise to an emotional and terrifying conclusion. Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran, this supernatural thriller takes audiences back to 1986 for what promises to be Ed and Lorraine Warren’s most dangerous case yet. Based on the real-life Smurl family haunting from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, this horror mystery delivers both scares and heartfelt closure to one of cinema’s most beloved paranormal investigator couples.

Basic Movie Details

Story Summary

The narrative begins in 1964 when an expectant Lorraine Warren experiences a terrifying supernatural encounter involving a cursed antique mirror at a curio shop. During the investigation, she collapses after witnessing a disturbing vision, leading to the premature birth of their daughter Judy, who is initially stillborn but miraculously revived through the power of prayer.

Fast forward to 1986, the Warrens have semi-retired from active paranormal investigations and now give lectures at universities to sparse crowds. Meanwhile, in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, the Smurl family moves into their new home—a residence they share with multiple generations. When one of the daughters receives the same cursed mirror as a confirmation gift, a nightmare begins to unfold. The family experiences increasingly violent supernatural phenomena, including disembodied voices, physical attacks, and demonic possession.

Their adult daughter Judy, now possessing inherited psychic abilities, discovers that Father Gordon—who tried to help the Smurls—has died under mysterious circumstances. Against her parents’ wishes, she travels to Pennsylvania to investigate, forcing the reluctant Warrens out of retirement. What follows is a heart-stopping battle against malevolent spirits and a powerful demon that has terrorized the Smurl household for years. The investigation forces the Warrens to confront dark entities from their past while preparing to welcome Judy’s fiancé Tony Spera into their family.

Cast & Characters

Patrick Wilson – Ed Warren – Renowned demonologist and paranormal investigator recovering from a heart attack

Vera Farmiga – Lorraine Warren – Clairvoyant and trance medium with powerful psychic abilities

Mia Tomlinson – Judy Warren – The Warrens’ adult daughter who inherits her mother’s psychic sensitivity

Ben Hardy – Tony Spera – Judy’s boyfriend who proposes during the film and joins the investigation

Steve Coulter – Father Gordon – Priest who attempts to help the Smurl family before meeting a tragic fate

Rebecca Calder – Janet Smurl – Matriarch of the haunted Smurl family fighting to protect her children

Elliot Cowan – Jack Smurl – Husband and father struggling to defend his family from supernatural forces

Kíla Lord Cassidy – Heather Smurl – Eldest Smurl daughter whose confirmation gift triggers the haunting

Beau Gadsdon – Dawn Smurl – Smurl daughter who suffers terrifying physical manifestations

Peter Wight – Grandpa Smurl – Jack’s father living in the haunted household

Kate Fahy – Grandma Smurl – Jack’s mother sharing the home with her family

Tilly Walker – Carin Smurl – One of the twin Smurl daughters

Molly Cartwright – Shannon Smurl – The youngest Smurl twin daughter

John Brotherton – Brad Hamilton – Supporting character in the investigation

Shannon Kook – Drew Thomas – Friend involved in the supernatural events

Key Highlights & What Makes This Movie Special

• Final Chapter: This marks the conclusive appearance of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the iconic Warren couple after a remarkable 12-year journey
• Based on True Events: The film draws inspiration from the real Smurl family haunting that occurred in Pennsylvania during the 1980s and attracted national media attention
• Highest-Grossing Installment: Despite mixed reviews, the movie earned approximately $496 million worldwide, becoming the most commercially successful film in the franchise
• Emotional Depth: Unlike previous entries, this film explores the psychological toll of paranormal investigation on the Warren family, particularly their daughter Judy
• Benjamin Wallfisch Score: The composer returns to the franchise after his work on Annabelle Creation, replacing Joseph Bishara and delivering an atmospheric musical experience
• Faith-Based Themes: The movie emphasizes religious faith and family bonds more strongly than previous installments, with prayer playing a central role
• Legacy Cameos: Characters from previous Conjuring films make appearances at Judy’s wedding, including the Perron family, Hodgson family, and David Glatzel
• Record-Breaking Opening: The film achieved the best opening weekend in franchise history with $84 million domestically

Critical Reception / Public Reactions

The Conjuring: Last Rites received a mixed response from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 59% approval rating from critics, with the consensus stating it maintains the franchise’s atmospheric standards while underwhelming as a climactic finale. Metacritic assigned it a score of 54 out of 100, indicating generally mixed reviews.

Many reviewers praised the strong performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, noting their undeniable chemistry and emotional investment in their characters. Critics highlighted that the film successfully builds tension in its first half and delivers some genuinely frightening sequences, particularly scenes involving the possessed mirror and Judy’s wedding dress fitting.

However, several critics felt the ending was rushed and predictable, relying too heavily on jump scares rather than sustained atmospheric dread. Some fans expressed disappointment that the focus shifted away from Ed and Lorraine at times, with family drama overshadowing the paranormal investigation. The slow pacing in the middle section also drew criticism from audiences expecting more consistent scares.

Despite the mixed critical reception, audience reaction was largely positive from franchise fans who appreciated the emotional closure and farewell to beloved characters. The film earned a B grade from CinemaScore audiences, and many viewers found the finale satisfying and emotionally resonant, even if it didn’t match the terror of the original films.

My Review

As a longtime fan of The Conjuring franchise, I approached Last Rites with both excitement and apprehension. The film delivers a respectful and heartfelt farewell to Ed and Lorraine Warren, even if it doesn’t reach the frightening heights of James Wan’s original masterpiece. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga remain the beating heart of this movie, bringing genuine warmth and chemistry that makes you care deeply about their fate.

The first hour showcases Michael Chaves at his best—building atmosphere slowly, developing the Smurl family’s terror convincingly, and crafting several genuinely unsettling sequences. The mirror-based scares are creative, and Mia Tomlinson shines as the adult Judy Warren, adding emotional weight to the family dynamics. However, the final act feels somewhat rushed, resolving too quickly after such careful buildup.

While the film leans heavily into religious themes and family sentiment, this approach works for a concluding chapter. It’s about legacy, passing the torch, and finding peace after decades of confronting darkness. Is it scary? At times, yes. Is it the best Conjuring film? No, but it’s a fitting and emotional conclusion that honors the characters and the actors who brought them to life.

My Rating: 7/10 – A solid, emotionally satisfying farewell that may not terrify seasoned horror fans but succeeds as a heartfelt conclusion to an iconic franchise.

FAQs

When was the movie released?
The Conjuring: Last Rites was released internationally on September 3, 2025, with the United States theatrical release following on September 5, 2025. It’s now available on digital platforms, Prime Video, Max, and physical media including DVD and Blu-ray as of November 25, 2025.

Who is the lead actor?
The film stars Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren and Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren, reprising their iconic roles from the previous Conjuring films. They are joined by Mia Tomlinson as their adult daughter Judy Warren and Ben Hardy as Tony Spera.

Where can I watch the movie?
You can stream The Conjuring: Last Rites on Prime Video and Max. It’s also available for rental or purchase on digital platforms like Fandango at Home. Physical copies on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD are available for purchase.

Is the movie family-friendly?
No, The Conjuring: Last Rites is rated R for intense supernatural horror, terror, bloody violence, and disturbing images. The film contains graphic scenes of demonic possession, suicide, physical attacks by supernatural entities, and intense jump scares. It’s not suitable for children or younger teens. Parental guidance is strongly advised for viewers under 17.

Is there a sequel planned?
While The Conjuring: Last Rites serves as the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story, reports from September 2025 indicate that a Conjuring Universe prequel film is in development following the financial success of Last Rites. However, there’s uncertainty about James Wan’s involvement due to reported creative differences. The Conjuring Universe will likely continue with spin-offs rather than direct sequels.

Final Conclusion

The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers an emotionally charged and respectfully crafted conclusion to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s cinematic journey. While it may not achieve the terrifying brilliance of the original film, it succeeds in providing closure, celebrating family bonds, and honoring the legacy of these beloved characters. Horror enthusiasts who’ve followed the franchise will appreciate the emotional payoff and nostalgic callbacks, even if the scares are less consistent than earlier entries.

This film is worth watching for longtime fans who want to see how the Warrens’ story ends, viewers who enjoy supernatural horror with emotional depth, and anyone who appreciates Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s outstanding performances. While it won’t convert skeptics or newcomers unfamiliar with the franchise, it serves as a fitting farewell that balances horror with heart—a worthy final chapter for one of modern horror’s most enduring couples.