The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Horror fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), the highly anticipated conclusion to the mainline Conjuring franchise. Directed by Michael Chaves, and written by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, this final chapter promises to close the book on the chilling adventures of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Story: A Dark Farewell to the Warrens
The Conjuring: Last Rites centers around Ed and Lorraine Warren’s final investigation, confronting one of the darkest cases of their storied careers. Set in the mid-1980s, the film portrays a haunting that not only tests their faith and courage but also challenges their legacy.
The movie opens with a flashback to 1964, weaving in moments from their early cases, and then transitions into a present-day confrontation with a malevolent entity from their past. Ed, battling serious health issues, and Lorraine, still deeply attuned to supernatural visions, face one last trial that intertwines family, faith, and fear.
The narrative also gives more screen time to Judy Warren, their daughter, who is now an adult and embracing her own psychic abilities. Judy’s fiancé, Tony Spera, is introduced, offering a glimpse into the next generation of investigators who could potentially carry the torch.
Performances: Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson Shine
One of the strongest aspects of The Conjuring films has always been the chemistry between Vera Farmiga (Lorraine) and Patrick Wilson (Ed). In Last Rites, their bond feels more poignant than ever, blending moments of intimacy with the horror surrounding them.
Farmiga delivers another powerhouse performance, capturing Lorraine’s mix of vulnerability and strength. Wilson’s portrayal of Ed, grappling with frailty yet pushing forward to protect his family, gives the film emotional weight. Their performances remind us why these characters have carried the franchise for over a decade.
Supporting roles—especially Mia Tomlinson as Judy—add fresh energy, though some characters, like Tony, feel underdeveloped. While Tony’s backstory is hinted at, it doesn’t fully connect to the main plot, leaving him a weaker link in the ensemble.
Direction, Atmosphere, and Horror Elements
Michael Chaves, returning for his third Conjuring installment, crafts an atmosphere filled with suspense and dread. Unlike James Wan’s style, which thrived on sharp, inventive scares, Chaves leans into drama and slow-burn storytelling. The result is a film that feels more like a gothic family drama with horror elements layered in.
While there are jump scares—some predictable, some genuinely effective—the movie relies more on mood, eerie sound design, and tension-building shots. Cinematographer Eli Born’s use of dark lighting and 1980s-era visuals adds authenticity and unease. Creative sequences, like the use of haunted video footage, stand out as some of the film’s most chilling moments.
That said, pacing issues plague the second act. Several reviewers noted that the film drags in the middle, shifting focus heavily onto character drama rather than supernatural horror. For audiences seeking relentless scares, this slower rhythm may feel disappointing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
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Powerful performances by Farmiga and Wilson
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Emotional depth in exploring the Warrens’ legacy
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Strong atmospheric tension and gothic visuals
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Judy’s expanded role adds generational continuity
Weaknesses:
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Second act pacing slows the narrative
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Some supporting characters underdeveloped
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Fewer scares compared to earlier Conjuring entries
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Some CGI moments feel unnecessary and distracting
Audience Reactions and Personal Take
Many fans entered the theater with low expectations, especially after mixed reception to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). Surprisingly, Last Rites has exceeded those expectations for many. While not as groundbreaking as the original two films, it delivers a heartfelt and respectable conclusion.
Some audience reviews highlight:
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A satisfying emotional farewell for Ed and Lorraine
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Suspenseful sequences that recall the franchise’s best moments
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A heavier emphasis on family drama than on constant horror
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Divided opinions on whether it lives up to the franchise’s scariest entries
From a personal perspective, The Conjuring: Last Rites succeeds more as a tribute to the Warrens than as a pure horror experience. It balances nostalgia, character development, and supernatural dread, even if it occasionally sacrifices pacing and frights.
Where to Watch The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Online
As of September 2025, the movie is only available in theaters. However, here are the expected release options:
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Streaming (Predicted): Max (HBO Max), possibly in late 2025 or early 2026
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Rental/Purchase (Predicted): Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies, Google TV
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Physical Release: Blu-ray/DVD likely by early 2026
For the most accurate availability updates, monitor JustWatch.
Conclusion
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) may not surpass the franchise’s terrifying heights, but it provides a moving and respectful close to the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren. More than just another horror flick, it’s a film about legacy, love, and facing the unknown together.
If you’re a longtime fan of the Conjuring universe, this final entry is worth seeing in theaters for the atmosphere, performances, and closure it offers. While it leaves the door cracked for future spin-offs through Judy and Tony, it stands as a fitting farewell to two of horror cinema’s most iconic characters.
Don’t forget to check JustWatch for streaming updates.
Visit the official site for more about the film.
