The Conjuring: Last Rites – Full Media Analysis from Every Angle
🎬 The Conjuring: Last Rites
1️⃣ Basic Overview of the Film
The film The Conjuring: Last Rites was released in 2025. It is part of a famous film series and is considered, up to now, the official “final chapter” of the main The Conjuring series. ([Wikipedia][1])
- Director: Michael Chaves. ([Wikipedia][1])
- Screenplay: Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (with a story contribution from James Wan). ([Wikipedia][1])
- Starring: Vera Farmiga (as Lorraine Warren), Patrick Wilson (as Ed Warren), along with Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, and others. ([Wikipedia][1])
- Runtime: about 135 minutes. ([Wikipedia][1])
- UK release date: Friday 5 September 2025. ([FilmDates.co.uk][2])
- Production & distribution: Produced by “New Line Cinema”, “The Safran Company”, “Atomic Monster”, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. ([Wikipedia][1])
2️⃣ The Context Within the Series and the “Real” Inspiration
- This film is the ninth entry in “The Conjuring Universe”, which began with The Conjuring (2013) and then continued with several spin-offs and sequels. ([Wikipedia][3])
- It is presented as the end of the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, with hints that this is their “last big case” on screen. ([People.com][4])
- Source of inspiration: The story of the Smurl family (in Pennsylvania, USA), who reported paranormal phenomena in their home. These elements were used and reshaped in the film’s drama. ([Wikipedia][1])
3️⃣ The Story: What Happens in the Film?
A summary without fully spoiling all details:
The film opens with a flashback to the year 1964, where Ed and Lorraine encounter a mysterious case linked to a special mirror. Then the time jumps to the late 1980s, when the Smurl family move into a house and begin to experience disturbing supernatural events. At the same time, the film shows a growing role for their daughter Judy Warren. ([Wikipedia][3])
From there, the tension grows between the spiritual/supernatural side and the human side: doubt, family pressure, faith, and fear. The scenes move between:
- Terrifying moments and haunted-house sequences.
- Investigations by Ed and Lorraine.
- Exploring the personal history of the Warrens.
- The classic battle between good and evil.
The result is a story that mixes horror, faith, and family bonds, rather than just a chain of jump scares.
4️⃣ Production, Cinematography, and Technical Aspects
- Cinematography: Eli Born. ([Wikipedia][1])
- Score (music): Benjamin Wallfisch, who replaced former composer Joseph Bishara. ([Wikipedia][1])
The production process included filming in the United Kingdom and in other locations, with a large crew that took on the challenge of creating an atmosphere of realistic and intense horror.
From a technical point of view, the film focuses on:
- Heavy use of shadows and dark spaces to build tension.
- Careful sound design, where small noises increase the feeling of fear.
- Strong coordination between acting and visual/sound effects to deepen the experience of “fear” instead of relying only on cheap surprise jumps.
All of this aims to give the viewer an immersive horror experience that feels serious and cinematic, not just a series of random shocks.
5️⃣ Audience and Box Office Reception
- The film made very strong box office results and is considered one of the highest-grossing horror films of 2025. ([EW.com][5])
- In the UK, its release on 5 September 2025 was described in the media as a “major cinema event” for horror fans. ([FilmDates.co.uk][2])
Regarding reviews from both audiences and critics, it received mixed to positive reactions. Many praised:
- The performances.
- The atmosphere.
- The emotional weight of the story as a “final chapter”.
However, some critics felt that certain moments were a bit “routine” for a big horror franchise, repeating familiar elements seen before. ([Wikipedia][3])
6️⃣ Why Is It Important, and Why Does the British Audience Follow It?
There are several reasons why The Conjuring: Last Rites matters, especially in the UK:
- The UK has a strong horror-film fanbase, and “The Conjuring” has become a familiar name. When “Last Rites” was announced as the last main entry, it turned into an “event”, not just another new film.
- Films that are “based on a true story” or inspired by real paranormal claims often draw extra curiosity from audiences who like to ask “What if this is real?”
- From a media perspective, the film is good material for discussion:
- What does faith mean in the face of evil?
- What does fear do to families?
- How do you end a long-running horror saga that started over a decade ago?
- From a production perspective, it combines known stars, a proven franchise, and the idea of a “finale”—all of this creates natural curiosity: “Will this ending be what we expect?”
7️⃣ Strengths and Weaknesses from a Critical Point of View
✅ Strengths
- Strong performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who once again bring depth to Lorraine and Ed Warren.
- A dark story with psychological and spiritual layers, not just pure shock value.
- The “final chapter” direction gives the film more emotional weight than many other standard horror titles.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some viewers may feel that the film repeats “the same formula”: the Warrens + a haunted house + an evil presence = a pattern they already know.
- Certain scenes may feel less bold or less innovative when compared with more daring independent horror films.
- The “ending” as a closure might leave some questions unanswered, which can annoy viewers who want a completely tidy and perfect final wrap-up.
8️⃣ What Stands Out in the British or Local Release?
- Age rating in the UK: roughly for viewers aged 15 and above, due to “strong horror, violence, and injury detail”. ([FilmDates.co.uk][2])
For British audiences, horror films are often linked to “after-film experiences”: group discussions, promotional events, and sometimes immersive marketing (for example, themed attractions or horror mazes connected to the film at a global level).
Because the UK is an important cinema market, the release date was planned to fit a period when people are going back to cinemas after the summer, which helps to boost media coverage and audience turnout.
9️⃣ Media and Cultural Impact
- This film shows that a big horror franchise can still survive and stay relevant. Some series become weaker over time, but The Conjuring universe is still able to pull crowds into cinemas.
- The media spoke a lot about the idea of a “end of an era”, since the film is marketed as the conclusion to Ed and Lorraine’s story. This adds a label of “watch it now or miss the last chapter”.
- The film can spark discussions such as:
- Why does horror continue to attract viewers so strongly?
- What is the link between “based on a true story” marketing and the appeal of horror?
- How does popular culture deal with the supernatural, and where does religion fit into fear and exorcism stories?
- It is also important to note that such films affect:
- Marketing strategies (like special cinema events, audience interaction, escape-room experiences).
- Post-theatrical sales (DVD, Blu-ray, streaming rentals and purchases).
🔟 For the British Viewer: Why Is It Worth Watching?
If you live in the UK and you are looking for a big film to watch in the cinema, here is what makes The Conjuring: Last Rites stand out:
- Intense horror scenes on the big screen – you feel the “collective fear” when everyone in the hall jumps together.
- It is a cinema event, not just a random late-night horror release.
- The idea of a final chapter gives you a sense that this is an important moment: “I am watching this because it is the last major case of the Warrens.”
- It gives you something to talk about with friends after the screening:
- “What did you think of the ending?”
- “Was it the right way to close the series?”
- Because it brings back familiar characters and ties to previous films, there is an emotional connection for long-time fans of the franchise.
However, if you do not like intense horror films, or if you prefer lighter and more comedic movies, then this film may not be the best match for you, because its tone is dark, serious, and emotionally heavy.
1️⃣1️⃣ Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites is not just another horror movie. It is an important step in a series that has lasted for more than a decade, built a loyal fanbase, and kept a high production standard. It carries the weight of being the “final chapter”, which naturally draws attention.
From production to release to audience response, it is a film that deserves to be watched by anyone who is looking for a strong horror cinema experience, especially in the British market.
If you like, I can also send you:
- A detailed comparison between this film and leading British horror movies.
- Or a short summary article ready to publish on your blog or social pages, explaining in simple words why this film is “a must-watch” for horror fans.
