The Conjuring: Last Rites

by Mike McGranaghan

By this point, the Conjuring franchise has pulled all the tricks out of its bag. Flickering lights, objects that move themselves, and ghostly or demonic figures emerging from the shadows are predictably going to be part of the mix. The fourth entry in the franchise, subtitled Last Rites, does indeed contain all these elements. It also does something a little different from the three previous installments, which nicely puts the familiar stuff into a slightly fresher context.

The story is loosely based on an actual case from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where the Smurl family claimed their home was haunted by a demonic entity that threw their dog against the wall and sexually assaulted the father. Sounds like a perfect case for Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), right? There’s where the movie goes its own way. The entire first half is about how they try to avoid investigating the case. Ed’s taking it easy due to heart problems and their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) has just gotten engaged to boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy).

Judy is showing increasing signs of being able to pick up paranormal communication, just like her mom. She’s therefore hell-bent on helping the Smurls. It’s no spoiler to say that the parents end up getting involved against their will. The Conjuring: Last Rites sprinkles in some jolts early on but largely saves them for the back half. This gives Wilson and Farmiga time to start wrapping up their characters. The Warrens, having taken on roughly a thousand cases, are ready to call it a day professionally. Scenes between the two stars are really strong, as they demonstrate the love between Ed and Lorraine, as well as the recognition that – to paraphrase Lethal Weapon’s Roger Murtaugh – they’re getting too old for this shit. Reluctance is a prominent theme in the story.

Because of this reluctance, the picture’s second half gains an extra edge. Aside from supernatural dangers, Ed could potentially have a second heart attack. And a paranormal connection between the Smurls and the Warrens jeopardizes the inexperienced Judy’s life, too.

If I were to describe what happens during the movie’s finale, it would sound absurd. Well, it is absurd, given that it involves humans fighting a giant mirror. Director Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) wisely makes sure the true emphasis is on the personal stakes for the Warrens. He stages the creepy chaos skillfully, which (at least temporarily) keeps you from dwelling too much on said absurdity. Everything is fast-paced and frantic.

The Smurls don’t get much in the way of development. They’re basically stock characters. This is, however, the Warrens’ show. Anyone who has followed the series will find gratification in the film’s efforts to guide them to a satisfying conclusion. Wilson and Farmiga are again appealing, showcasing the couple’s desire to help people who are plagued by the occult. The real Ed and Lorraine have credibly been accused of being con artists but, thanks to the efforts of the leads, you care about them onscreen.

The Conjuring: Last Rites certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to paranormal chillers. Nevertheless, it offers enough of what audiences have come to expect, along with a little more blood and gore than normal. It’s a fitting send-off to one of the most significant horror franchises of our time.

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