The final haunt

Strap: Witness Ed and Lorraine’s final outing in theatres as they confront their ultimate haunting of fear, family, and courage

OB Bureau

The Conjuring: Last Rites positions itself as the final chapter in the saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the married parapsychologists played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Yet, the film smartly balances closure with a sense of continuation, introducing a new generation in the form of the Warrens’ daughter, Judy (Mia Tomlinson), and her boyfriend Tony Spera (Ben Hardy).

Set against a haunting in industrial Pennsylvania, the story weaves multiple possessions, apparitions, and supernatural phenomena into a narrative that also reflects back on the couple’s early career, making it both a finale and a bridge to potential spinoffs.

The film opens with a gripping flashback to 1964, where a haunted mirror triggers Lorraine’s labour, almost costing the couple their infant daughter. Fast forward to 1986, and the Warrens have largely retired from fieldwork, Ed’s heart condition limiting his physical involvement.

Yet, the central story revolves around the domestic and emotional dynamics of this extraordinary family. Judy, gifted with her mother’s psychic abilities, struggles with the weight of her talents and the longing for a “normal” life. Tony, her newcomer boyfriend, navigates the delicate process of earning Ed’s respect and integrating into the Warrens’ tightly knit circle.

Farmiga and Wilson, as ever, remain the emotional core of the franchise. Farmiga, in particular, delivers a performance that transcends the material, embodying a character capable of seeing and feeling far beyond ordinary human perception. Her craft elevates the story, providing a depth that anchors the supernatural elements. Wilson complements her with understated strength and sensitivity, portraying a man defined by courage, intelligence, and generational stoicism.

While Last Rites may not rank among the franchise’s most terrifying entries—the Warrens themselves don’t enter the haunted space until midway—the film excels in tension and emotional resonance once they do. The climax is both suspenseful and moving, blending supernatural thrills with a heartfelt celebration of family unity. Unlike many horror films that merely pay lip service to familial strength, this instalment fully commits to the idea, creating moments that are as inspiring as they are unsettling.

In the end, The Conjuring: Last Rites succeeds not just as a supernatural thriller but as a story of inheritance, love, and courage. It closes the Warrens’ chapter with warmth and intensity, while planting the seeds for a new generation ready to confront the unknown.