Paragraph 1
The Conjuring: Last Rites is the newest installment in the popular Conjuring horror franchise, starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film returns to the roots of supernatural horror while introducing fresh scares and darker themes that make it stand out. The storyline is based on real ghost-investigation cases, which gives it an extra layer of creepiness. It also carries emotional weight, not just cheap scares. For fans of the franchise, this feels like both a return home and a finale event.
Paragraph 2
In terms of commercial performance, Last Rites has broken records. It achieved the biggest opening weekend for a horror movie in 2025 globally, earning about $194 million worldwide. Domestically, the film collected approximately $83 million during its opening weekend, making it the highest among horror movie premieres this year. This success confirms that audiences still strongly connect with well-made supernatural horror when done right. The movie’s release was highly anticipated, and it delivered on that expectation.
Paragraph 3
The film’s plot revolves around the Warrens investigating the Smurl haunting of 1986, which historically has had a reputation for being one of the more disturbing paranormal cases. The narrative weaves together human fears, spiritual dread, and the battle between faith and the unknown. Director Michael Chaves does not shy away from gore or shock, but he balances it with moments of tenderness and loss. The pacing is steady, allowing tension to build slowly, with scares coming in waves. Fans of earlier Conjuring films will find many callbacks, but the movie also attempts to push beyond formula.
Paragraph 4
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga deliver strong performances, as expected. Their chemistry and portrayal of the Warrens’ relationship under stress add emotional depth to the horror. The scenes where Lorraine senses things and Ed risks everything bring both fear and heartbreak. These characters are no longer just ghost hunters; they carry the weight of past losses, and that makes their danger feel more real. Supporting cast members also contribute, though none overshadow the leads. Overall, acting is one of the film’s strongest points.
Paragraph 5
Visually, Last Rites is impressive. The cinematography captures ominous shadows, creaking walls, flickering lights, and supernatural presences in a way that’s both familiar and unsettling. Sound design plays a huge role — whispers, ambient noises, sudden jolts of silence followed by loud shocks are used to create unpredictable scares. The editing keeps the tension tight, without letting scenes drag. Practical effects are used often, which helps maintain immersion. CGI is used in moderation, avoiding overuse, which many horror fans appreciate.
Paragraph 6
What works well is the balance between old and new. While many horror sequels rely solely on jump scares or shock value, Last Rites tends to build atmosphere. It pays homage to past entries in the franchise — in both story and aesthetic — but also tries to give a more mature tone. Themes like grief, mortality, and legacy are more prominent than before. There are moments where the film explores what it means to be haunted not just by spirits, but by memories and guilt. This layered approach makes it more than just horror; it becomes a reflection on fear itself.
Paragraph 7
On the flip side, there are a few weaknesses. Some critics mention that certain jump scares feel predictable, especially to hardcore horror fans. The second half occasionally leans into familiar horror tropes, making parts of it feel less original. Also, with such high expectations, there are moments where the film tries to do too much — balancing emotional depth, horror, and concluding the saga may stretch the narrative. A few subplots feel underdeveloped. However, these drawbacks don’t substantially damage the overall experience for most viewers.
Paragraph 8
In terms of soundtracks and score, the movie shines. The eerie background score that builds up tension, interspersed with silence and sudden dissonance, is effective. Sound engineers use layering of ambient sound with minimalistic musical cues to amplify suspense. The crescendos during climactic moments are timed well. There is also an emphasis on silence — making the audience anticipate what happens next. These audio choices elevate the fear beyond visual effects.
Paragraph 9
The direction by Michael Chaves shows a maturity in handling horror. He knows when to pull back and when to strike, which helps maintain suspense without exhausting the audience with constant terror. He also gives space for character moments, which grounds supernatural horrors in human emotions. The pacing allows rising dread, and the ends of sequences often linger just long enough to unsettle. Compared to some earlier Conjuring entries, this feels more balanced between jump scares and psychological horror. The finale especially ties many themes together in satisfying ways.
Paragraph 10
For fans of horror franchises, Last Rites works as a powerful conclusion. It wraps up arcs related to the Warrens, giving closure to characters we’ve followed for years. Some questions remain open (as is often the case), which keeps the supernatural mystery alive. But overall, the ending feels earned. It doesn’t just rely on shock or cliffhanger — there is emotional payoff. This helps in avoiding franchise fatigue, something that many long-running series suffer from.
Paragraph 11
Box office-wise, the movie’s success might encourage more big budget horror films. Studios may see that investing in well-crafted scares and strong writing still pays off. The horror genre has cycles of ups and downs, but this seems to mark an upswing. Audiences tired of generic horror may gravitate toward stories with deeper themes. The Conjuring: Last Rites may set a new benchmark for what horror finales can be. Its global earnings are a sign that people are hungry for bigger and bolder horror stories.
Paragraph 12
In comparison to past Conjuring films, Last Rites is neither the scariest nor the most shocking, but possibly the most emotionally resonant. Earlier entries often focused heavily on scares, haunted houses, haunted objects, etc. This one adds in the dimension of what happens after grief and loss catch up with ghost hunting. The characters feel more fleshed out — their fears, regrets, and hopes are part of the horror. That human side makes the supernatural elements more effective, because we care about the people facing them.
Paragraph 13
The film also does well internationally. Horror has always had a global audience, but different cultures respond in different ways to fear. Last Rites balances this — visuals, sound, and theme are fairly universal. Some cultural references might not land everywhere, but the emotional core — fear, loss, courage — is easily understood. This helps its overseas box office performance. Subtitles or dubbing aside, the scares translate well. That helps huge emergence numbers globally.
Paragraph 14
Reviews from critics are mostly positive, though some are mixed. Many praise the leads, atmosphere, and the way the film honours its roots while trying new things. Critics who are less impressed point to pacing issues and predictability in some scares. Some say the film may feel too long in parts, or that certain character arcs are under-emphasized. But overall, the consensus seems to be that this is one of the stronger horror movies of 2025 so far.
Paragraph 15
In terms of audience reaction, feedback has been enthusiastic. On social media, fans have appreciated the emotional moments that go beyond generic scares. Many are saying it’s a fitting end to the Warrens’ storyline. Especially people who have followed the franchise from the beginning seem satisfied. Some fans tweeted about still being scared hours after the movie, which means it’s doing its job. Horror is about lingering fear, and this one seems to do that well.
Paragraph 16
The movie’s marketing played a significant role. Teasers, trailers, and promotional materials emphasised both the supernatural threats and the emotional stakes. Posters showed haunted imagery, but also the faces of the Warrens looking worn and determined. Interviews with the cast about the real haunting stories involved helped generate curiosity. Productions that treat horror as more than just jumps get more buzz. This helped build anticipation.
Paragraph 17
One interesting thing is how Last Rites challenges the typical horror film formula. Instead of relying solely on cheap shocks, it combines horror with grief, human relationships, and personal sacrifice. The idea that ghosts and evil forces represent more than just fear — they symbolize what the characters carry — is compelling. The balance of human drama and supernatural terror is delicate, but it largely succeeds here. This makes the film more memorable.
Paragraph 18
If you are someone who has never watched a Conjuring movie, Last Rites might still work as a chilling standalone experience, though some history enhances the experience. The film gives enough backstory so new viewers understand who the Warrens are and what’s at stake. But longtime fans will get extra emotional punch from callbacks, lore, and character depth. So watching older films helps, but it’s not mandatory.
Paragraph 19
Genre fans will likely appreciate this film most — horror lovers, supernatural thriller fans, and those who like haunted house stories will find things to love. If you like gore-less horror, with more mood, sound, tension, and scary supernatural lore, this is made for you. But if you dislike horror cliches or predictable jump scares, some parts may test your patience. Still, it’s more than many recent horror films in 2025, which leaned too much on one scare after another.
Paragraph 20
In conclusion, The Conjuring: Last Rites is a strong entry in the horror genre — one that respects its legacy while aiming higher emotionally and narratively. It sets both a scary and poignant tone, delivering what many fans hoped for: an ending that feels earned. Its box office success is proof that audiences respond to quality horror. For those who love horror with heart and fear, this movie is a must-watch. It may be the darkest, but also perhaps the most human Conjuring film yet.
