The Conjuring: The Last Rites – Review and Box Office Journey
Introduction
The Conjuring: The Last Rites continues the iconic horror franchise that has terrified audiences worldwide for more than a decade. Known for its blend of supernatural suspense, real-life inspired stories, and the chilling presence of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film arrives with high expectations. As the supposed conclusion to the main Conjuring storyline, it attempts to tie together emotional depth, spine-chilling horror, and a sense of closure. Its performance at the box office reflects both the loyalty of fans and the universal appeal of horror cinema.
Storyline and Plot
The film picks up after the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. This time, Ed and Lorraine Warren are confronted with one of the darkest cases of their careers. A cursed relic and a powerful demonic entity pull the Warrens into a spiritual battle that tests not only their courage but also their faith and love.
Strong Emotional Core: The film dives deeper into the personal struggles of the Warrens, especially highlighting Lorraine’s visions.
Classic Haunted Elements: From creaking hallways to terrifying possessions, the movie retains the essence of the Conjuring franchise.
New Threats: Unlike previous cases, the antagonist here feels more personal and directly connected to the Warrens.
Review: Performances and Direction
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again deliver exceptional performances, portraying the Warrens with authenticity and emotional intensity.
The direction emphasizes atmospheric tension rather than cheap jump scares, staying true to the roots of the series.
The cinematography effectively captures gloomy churches, haunted houses, and ritualistic chambers, immersing audiences in a terrifying experience.
Background Score heightens the suspense, making even the quietest scenes feel unnerving.
Overall, the film balances horror with heartfelt moments, giving audiences both fright and emotional closure.
Audience Response
Reactions to The Conjuring: The Last Rites have been mixed to positive:
Horror Fans praised the film for returning to the atmospheric scares that made the first two Conjuring films so iconic.
Casual Viewers found the story engaging but at times predictable, as the franchise’s formula has become familiar.
Global Appeal ensured strong turnout in theaters, particularly in regions where supernatural horror has a huge fan base.
Box Office Collection
The film’s box office performance has been impressive, proving that the Conjuring brand remains one of the strongest in modern horror:
Opening Weekend: The movie opened strongly worldwide, earning significant revenue from horror enthusiasts.
Domestic Market: In India and other Asian markets, the film did particularly well due to a loyal horror fan base.
International Market: North America and Europe contributed heavily, with packed shows in urban centers.
Total Collection: By the end of its theatrical run, The Conjuring: The Last Rites crossed major milestones, making it one of the most successful horror films of 2025.
Budget vs Earnings: With a modest production budget compared to other blockbuster franchises, the film achieved high profitability.
Strengths of the Film
Atmospheric Horror: Returns to psychological scares rather than overusing CGI.
Emotional Closure: Gives the Warrens a fitting conclusion to their journey.
Strong Performances: The lead cast delivers emotional and chilling portrayals.
Franchise Value: Builds on the rich legacy of the Conjuring Universe.
Weaknesses of the Film
Predictable Formula: Longtime viewers may find some scenes familiar.
Secondary Characters: Some supporting roles feel underdeveloped.
Pacing Issues: Middle portions of the film slow down the tension slightly.
Future of the Conjuring Universe
Though marketed as the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine, the success of The Conjuring: The Last Rites suggests that spin-offs and side stories within the Conjuring Universe will continue. Characters and demonic entities introduced here could lead to future standalone films.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: The Last Rites stands as a fitting tribute to one of the most successful horror franchises in modern cinema. With strong performances, chilling moments, and a gripping storyline, it satisfies both longtime fans and casual viewers. Its impressive box office collection proves that horror, when done with heart and precision, remains a powerful draw for audiences worldwide.
For those who have followed Ed and Lorraine’s journey from the beginning, this film feels like both an end and a new beginning, ensuring the legacy of The Conjuring lives on.