On September 5, 2025 the new horror film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, was released. It is currently the top movie in the country right now. It is the final chapter in the main Conjuring film series, bringing the story to a close. It was directed by Michael Chaves and it stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The film is about the case of the Smurl family who made a report about experiencing demonic activities in their home for many years. As the movie goes on it also shows some family drama with the Warren’s family.
The movie did receive some mixed reviews from audiences and different critics. Some said it was, “disappointing, with more family drama than horror.” Some critics noticed a lack of scares. According to Rotten Tomatoes Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have been praised for maintaining the characters intensity and conveying the Warren’s relationship effectively throughout the movie.
The movie is based off of a haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Jack and Janet Smurl, with four kids and both grandparents moved into a house in 1973. The hauntings went from minor disturbances to assaults and physical abuse by the 1980s. The family said the spirits were moving objects, bad odors, constant temperature drops, physical attacks, etc. It was also reported that their dog had been thrown against a wall a real life event that made it into the movie.
In 1986, Ed and Lorraine Warren were called to visit the home. They found a powerful demonic force consisting of four spirits. There were many failed attempts to get rid of the spirits by priests. In 1989 the Smurls eventually moved out of the home. This case faced a lot of speculation, some suggested that factors like Jack’s brain surgery and stress could have led to these events.
At the end of the movie, it shows Ed and Lorraine enjoying their retirement, becoming grandparents and eventually passing away which finally wraps up the movie. The on screen text shows details about their actual lives and the work they’ve done, showing closure.