by Austen Terry, Contributing Writer
In 2013, James Wan struck gold in the horror genre for the third time with The Conjuring. It began a series of multiple films that follow the real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga). These films each tell the story of what supposedly happened during some of the most famous cases the Warrens ever worked on. Though sadly, The Conjuring: Last Rites is being slated as the last film for the Warrens being the main protagonists. Notably, this does not spell the end of the series, just the end of the Warrens being characters.
The film follows the story of the haunting of the Smurl family, who experienced demonic and ghostly activity in 1986 in Pennsylvania. Their story reaches the Warrens after a tragedy draws the Warrens’ daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) there. The Warrens follow her there, along with her fiancé, Tony (Ben Hardy). This marks the first time Judy actually investigated the paranormal with Ed and Lorraine, even though she has been around. The film definitely tries to return to its roots, so to speak.
Michael Chaves returns to direct after directing the third film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. He drives a story that is a good mix between drama and horror. Chaves puts his crew to work with his films, and he does push them to extremes, showcasing more supernatural elements. This marks the second time a different actress played Judy, but Tomlinson works well with Wilson and Farmiga. Chemistry is always important, and everyone is on their game here. After The Conjuring and Insidious series, Wilson might need to take a break from horror, as he and Farmiga definitely put in the work to portray the horror.
As a whole, movie is better than I expected. For the first time, I went in blind. I skipped all trailers and posts to get the real experience again. I saw the first one because of word of mouth, and going into the fourth blind, I could actually experience the scares. The costume and makeup departments need praise, as the spirits are creepy and scary. I had the feel of the original in this one, as this being the closing, it felt right to go back to the roots. This was also supposedly their last case, which would make sense, as the Warrens go through it in this movie. The story keeps you focused and anxious throughout.
All in all, Last Rites serves its purpose as a closing film in the Warrens’ saga, and since their passing and the museum being sold to a comedian, hopefully this closes the series. The Warrens have been a big staple in horror, so it’s time for something new.
Rating: Liked It
The Conjuring: Last Rites is currently playing in theaters
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