The Conjuring Universe is the highest-grossing horror movie franchise of all time, grossing over $2 billion since it kicked off in 2013 with its stellar first film from director James Wan. While the real-life demonologist couple Ed and Lorraine Warren have long been a subject of controversy and courted allegations of fraudulence, the on-screen duo, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, is beloved by horror fans.
This September, we'll see how the final chapter unfolds when The Conjuring: Last Rites premieres, as New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. have dropped the first teaser and it showcases the Warrens' final case, the Smurl family haunting. It's a nice return to form for the series that faltered with its third movie, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and its disjointed focus on the trial of Arne Johnson.
I'm a little apprehensive about Last Rites because Wan isn't returning to direct, something I think lent to the poorer quality of the previous film. Director Michael Chaves has helmed some of cinematic universe's worst movies, including The Devil Made Me Do It, The Nun II, and The Curse of La Llorona. The initial teaser above doesn't give me much confidence for the final movie, as it looks like there will be an over-reliance on jump scares and CGI.
The Smurl haunting is a good choice for this and I admit there is a draw in the teaser where it hones in on the fact it was the Warrens final case, meaning something extremely dark and disturbing happens to unnerve even the most skilled demonologists.
Here is the official description shared by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema.
"The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise."
Chaves has said that this final movie will be the "most emotional story" they could tell along with "the most personal." It focuses on Farmiga and Wilson, who Wan considers "the beating heart of this franchise."
The Smurl haunting is a good choice for this and I admit there is a draw in the teaser where it hones in on the fact it was the Warrens final case, meaning something extremely dark and disturbing happens to unnerve even the most skilled demonologists. The Devil Made Me Do It dipped too far into true crime territory and that's never been the franchise's strongest suit.
Playing into the themes of an emotional center and deeply personal story to the Warrens, Last Rites will feature a more significant role for Ed and Lorraine's daughter, Judy, to be played by Mia Tomlinson. Ben Hardy was cast as Judy's boyfriend, Tony Spera.
You can learn more about the Smurls at the New England Society for Psychic Research website, which is actually run by the real Judy and Tony Spera.
The Conjuring: Last Rites will be released theatrically on September 5, meaning there is plenty of time for fans to rewatch The Conjuring Universe to prepare.