The Conjuring: Last Rites, A Haunting That Ends with a Hug, Not a Scream

The Conjuring franchise has long been celebrated for its chilling atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, and genuinely terrifying moments rooted in supernatural lore. With Last Rites, the latest entry, expectations run high for a gripping continuation of the Warrens’ paranormal investigations. However, the film struggles to maintain the balance between horror and heartfelt storytelling. Rather than delving deep into darkness, it leans toward a softer, almost fairy tale-like conclusion. While the scares and eerie setups are present, they often feel overshadowed by emotional beats that demand closure and hope. This tonal shift divides the audience, leaving horror enthusiasts craving more fear and less comfort. The pacing sometimes suffers as the narrative tries to juggle jump scares with sentimental scenes. Ultimately, Last Rites feels like a story about faith and family wrapped in the trappings of a horror movie, sometimes to its detriment. Here’s how the film’s different elements come together.

Atmosphere and Scares: Classic Conjuring Elements

The film starts strong with the signature eerie atmosphere that fans expect. Creepy sound design, shadowy visuals, and subtle jump scares build tension early on. Familiar haunted locations and unsettling paranormal activity help maintain the franchise’s trademark spookiness. However, as the story progresses, the scares become less frequent and more predictable. The filmmakers rely on a few recycled tropes, reducing the element of surprise. Despite this, the film still delivers some genuinely chilling moments that will satisfy casual viewers. The atmospheric tension is present but feels uneven as the focus shifts away from pure horror. The scares are there but diluted by the emotional narrative that takes center stage.

Story and Pacing: A Shift Toward Sentimentality

The narrative aims to blend supernatural horror with a deeply emotional story about family, faith, and forgiveness. While this is a noble ambition, it slows the pacing and undermines suspense. The script often pauses for reflective or sentimental scenes that soften the mood. Instead of building relentless tension, the film takes detours into heartfelt dialogue and character moments that feel out of place in a horror thriller. This tonal inconsistency causes the momentum to stall. Horror fans looking for adrenaline-inducing sequences may find these emotional beats frustrating. The story’s structure seems to prioritize resolution and closure over sustained fear, ultimately compromising the film’s edge.

Character Development: Familiar Faces, Predictable Arcs

The main characters, including the Warrens and the family at the center of the haunting, are portrayed with sincerity but little depth. Their motivations and emotional journeys are straightforward and follow familiar horror movie templates. The Warrens’ faith and dedication are emphasized heavily, which may resonate with some viewers but feel preachy to others. The family’s struggles and reconciliation are depicted with warmth but lack complexity. Character arcs serve the plot’s sentimental direction rather than offering nuanced growth. This approach makes the characters relatable but also somewhat generic, reducing the stakes. The emotional investment is there, but it’s wrapped in predictable storytelling.

Visual and Technical Aspects: Polished but Safe

Visually, Last Rites continues the franchise’s high production values. Cinematography uses shadow and light effectively to create spooky environments, and special effects are solid without being over-the-top. The editing supports the mood, though at times the cuts undercut tension by shifting too quickly to softer scenes. The sound design is effective in jump scare moments but less impactful during quieter scenes. The film avoids experimental techniques, opting for a safe, traditional horror look. While this ensures a polished product, it also means the movie rarely surprises visually or audibly. The technical elements serve the story well but don’t elevate it beyond standard genre fare.

Conclusion: A Controversial Blend of Horror and Hope

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a film caught between two worlds, trying to deliver scares while providing a comforting emotional payoff. This duality weakens its horror impact and may leave some viewers dissatisfied. While the atmospheric moments and occasional jump scares remind audiences why the franchise became popular, the fairy tale closure and focus on family and faith dilute the tension. It’s a well-crafted movie that struggles with tone, appealing more to those who appreciate sentimental storytelling than pure horror. For fans seeking classic scares, this installment may feel compromised. However, those open to a blend of chills and heartfelt moments might find value in its unique approach.