The Conjuring: Last Rites is the upcoming horror movie set to release on September 5, 2025. This film is the fourth main installment in The Conjuring series and the ninth movie in The Conjuring Universe. It serves as the final chapter for paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The story is inspired by the real-life Smurl family haunting that occurred in West Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1986. Director Michael Chaves returns to direct this last film, with James Wan and Peter Safran producing. The movie aims to bring back the emotional depth and scares that fans loved in the first two films while concluding the Warrens’ story.
Main Cast and Their Characters
Vera Farmiga returns as Lorraine Warren, a clairvoyant and trance medium. Her character can see and communicate with spirits, which helps in investigating hauntings. Farmiga has played this role since the first Conjuring film in 2013. She is known for her roles in Up in the Air and Bates Motel. In Last Rites, Lorraine uses her abilities to help the Smurl family and faces one of her most feared cases.
Patrick Wilson reprises his role as Ed Warren, a demonologist and writer. He is Lorraine’s husband and partner in investigating paranormal activities. Wilson has been part of the series since the beginning and is also known for films like Insidious and Aquaman. In this film, Ed continues to lead investigations despite health issues from previous movies. His character is shown dealing with heart problems that add tension to the story.
Mia Tomlinson joins the cast as Judy Warren, the daughter of Ed and Lorraine. Judy has grown up and is now a young adult. This character was previously played by Sterling Jerins and Mckenna Grace in earlier films. Tomlinson studied previous portrayals and met the real Judy Warren to prepare for the role. Judy’s relationship with her parents and her boyfriend Tony is a key part of the story.
Ben Hardy plays Tony Spera, Judy Warren’s boyfriend. Hardy is known for his roles in Bohemian Rhapsody and X-Men: Apocalypse. His character represents the audience’s perspective as he is new to the Warrens’ world of supernatural investigations. Tony provides support and skepticism, making him relatable to viewers.
Rebecca Calder portrays Janet Smurl, the matriarch of the Smurl family. Her character is besieged by an evil spirit and strives to keep her family united during the haunting. Calder has appeared in films like The Hatton Garden Job. Janet’s struggles form the emotional core of the family’s story.
Elliot Cowan plays Jack Smurl, Janet’s husband. Cowan is known for The Illusionist and Da Vinci’s Demons. Jack tries to protect his family while confronting his own fears and disbelief about the paranormal events.
Supporting Cast Members
Kíla Lord Cassidy appears as Heather Smurl, the eldest child of the Smurl family. Her character is deeply affected by the haunting, adding to the family’s emotional struggles.
Beau Gadsdon plays Dawn Smurl, one of the daughters in the Smurl family. Her experiences increase the emotional stakes of the story as the family fights the supernatural forces.
Molly Cartwright portrays Shannon Smurl, the youngest child in the family. Her fragility creates tension and highlights the family’s vulnerability.
John Brotherton plays Brad Hamilton, a character who aids the Warrens in their investigation. His role supports the main narrative by providing additional help to the Warrens.
Shannon Kook returns as Drew, an investigative character who has appeared in previous Conjuring films. He assists the Warrens in their cases.
Steve Coulter reprises his role as Father Gordon, a recurring character who provides spiritual support in the Warrens’ investigations.
Returning Characters from Previous Films
The film features several actors returning from earlier Conjuring movies. Lili Taylor and Mackenzie Foy return as Carolyn Perron and Cindy Perron from the first Conjuring film. They appear as guests at a wedding scene in the movie.
Frances O’Connor and Madison Wolfe reprise their roles as Peggy Hodgson and Janet Hodgson from The Conjuring 2. They also appear in the wedding scene, connecting the stories of previous films.
Julian Hilliard returns as David Glatzel from The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. His appearance helps tie the third film’s events to this final chapter.
Production Background and Director
Michael Chaves directs The Conjuring: Last Rites. He previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II. Chaves aimed to make this film a satisfying conclusion to the main series. The screenplay is written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. James Wan co-wrote the story and produced the film.
Filming took place in London from September to November 2024. The movie features a score by Benjamin Wallfisch, replacing previous composer Joseph Bishara. Wallfisch’s music aims to enhance the eerie atmosphere of the film.
Significance of the Story
The film explores the Smurl family haunting, a real case investigated by the Warrens. It delves into themes of faith, family, and resisting evil forces. The story is set in 1986, showing the Warrens later in their careers. Their daughter Judy is now an adult, adding new dynamics to their family relationships.
The movie also addresses Ed Warren’s health issues, which were introduced in The Devil Made Me Do It. His heart problems could play a role in raising the stakes during the investigation. Lorraine’s psychic abilities remain crucial to defeating the supernatural threat.
Vera Farmiga said, “I felt that pressure. How do you come back and turn up that dial to 11? He and I have made casting out demons together romantic, so how do we bring even more love, you know, and even more goo, you know?”
Patrick Wilson added, “You know, you don’t want to just keep going back to the well if you’re not doing anything different, right? You know, we didn’t set out to do this massive franchise, so each film was sort of built on the last one.”
New Additions to the Cast
Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy are new to the Conjuring series. Tomlinson prepared for her role by meeting the real Judy Warren and studying previous performances. She learned about Judy’s fears of the supernatural and incorporated that into her portrayal.
Ben Hardy’s character Tony serves as the audience’s entry point into the story. He represents those new to the Warrens’ world, providing a fresh perspective. Hardy appreciated the art-imitating-life aspect of joining a well-established franchise.
Mia Tomlinson explained, “I think I was already like a believer. I feel like certain characters of people attract the supernatural. I think, like Lorraine, Judy is a huge empath.”
Ben Hardy noted, “It’s such an honor and a privilege, really. Having been a fan of these movies, and then to get to come in and be a part of it.”
The Conjuring Universe Connections
The Conjuring Universe includes several films like Annabelle, The Nun, and other spin-offs. Last Rites is the final main installment but may not be the last movie in the universe. The Warrens’ collection of occult artifacts, including the Annabelle doll, is expected to appear. Valak, the demon from The Nun series, might be referenced but is not the main villain.
The film includes characters from previous movies to create a sense of closure. The wedding scene brings together characters from different films, showing the impact of the Warrens’ work on many lives.
Audience Expectations and Early Reactions
Early reviews from test screenings mention a mix of positive and critical feedback. Some viewers praised the emotional build-up and satisfying ending. Others found the beginning slow and the plot predictable. The film aims to balance scares with heartfelt moments, focusing on the Warrens’ relationships.
Fans can expect scary scenes and emotional depth. The movie is designed to be a fitting end to the Warrens’ story, tying up long-standing character arcs. It will be released in IMAX to enhance the horror experience with grand visuals and sound.
Credits: IMDb, Wikipedia
