The Conjuring: Last Rites. Scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, this installment brings back the beloved paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for one last terrifying encounter. Known for its eerie realism and emotionally grounded storytelling, the series has been a cornerstone of modern horror cinema since its debut in 2013. Now, as it reaches its end, fans are bracing for what promises to be the darkest entry yet.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is set in 1986, five years after the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This time, the Warrens face one of the most intense and emotionally disturbing cases of their career: the Smurl haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. The story revolves around the Smurl family, who claimed their home was plagued by a series of violent, demonic attacks. Over time, the haunting escalated to physical assaults and terrifying apparitions, drawing national attention—and ultimately, the Warrens.
Cast
The film sees the return of fan favorites:
Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
Their on-screen chemistry and nuanced performances have been the emotional anchor of the series.
Joining them are:
Mia Tomlinson as Judy Warren, Ed and Lorraine’s daughter
Ben Hardy as Tony Spera, Judy’s fiancé and eventual caretaker of the Warrens’ legacy
Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan as Janet and Jack Smurl, the tormented parents
Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, Tilly Walker, and Molly Cartwright as the Smurl daughters
The inclusion of younger cast members brings added vulnerability and emotional weight to the haunting.
Directed once again by Michael Chaves, who previously directed The Curse of La Llorona and The Devil Made Me Do It, this final installment stays true to the franchise’s style while pushing its emotional and supernatural boundaries.
Filming took place in London during the fall of 2024, with production emphasizing dark, atmospheric visuals and period-accurate set designs. The team worked to recreate the feel of 1980s Pennsylvania, focusing on realism to anchor the supernatural events.
The screenplay was written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick—names familiar to fans of horror and suspense. James Wan, the original visionary behind the franchise, serves as a producer alongside Peter Safran, ensuring that the film remains consistent with the spirit and tone of earlier entries.
What sets Last Rites apart is its deeply personal tone. Unlike some earlier cases that explored external demonic influences or courtroom spectacles, this film puts the emotional toll of the Warrens’ work front and center. We see their growing concern for Judy and the long-term impact of their investigations on their own well-being.
The haunting itself is portrayed with both physical and psychological intensity. Scenes reportedly include classic paranormal effects—moving objects, unexplainable noises, possession—but they are presented through the eyes of a traumatized family. This perspective grounds the horror in real emotion, making it all the more terrifying.
Although the film is yet to be released, early reactions from test screenings and promotional clips suggest that The Conjuring: Last Rites could become one of the franchise’s standout entries. Fans and critics alike have noted the maturity in tone, the sharp writing, and the emotionally resonant performances.
Many are praising the return of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, whose portrayals of the Warrens have consistently added depth and humanity to the films. If reviews follow the current buzz, Last Rites may be remembered not only as a great horror film but as a powerful, satisfying finale. As the Conjuring Universe prepares to close its final chapter, With a powerful cast, a compelling real-life case, and expert direction, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
