I was the sole person in the theater for an afternoon showing of The Conjuring: Last Rites. As a fan of the movie series, I knew I was in for shocks, squeals, high pitched screams, and moments of dreaded suspense. But here I was, all my myself. Ooh oh. Was I the only one who picked this showing time? Was I going through this demonic afternoon on my own?
Just before the lights went down, a large group of adults, eight in all, came barreling in, noisy and chaotic as they chose seats. For any other movie, I’d be annoyed, but for one about exorcisms, and things that go bump, boom, AND bam, I thought to myself, “Thank you, Jesus!” Literally.
This latest installment – perfectly timed for Halloween season – is one of now ten in the Conjuring Universe series. Broken up into three sub-categories, we have 4 Conjuring movies, 3 Annabelle, and 2 featuring The Nun. They’re all based on the true experiences of paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Each film features the story of a family plagued by demons who manifest themselves into hideous beings, strange dolls, or even a religious figure.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga
In this new release, it’s the Smurl Family of Pennsylvania who are the targets of sinister spirits unlocked via an item brought into the home by a family member. This item also has a strange connection to Lorraine Warren from twenty or so years ago, and as the activity escalates, the couple and their adult daughter find themselves drawn into the paranormal phenomena.
Portraying the Warrens as they have for the previous three Conjuring movies, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga convey a convincing loving and spiritual relationship, plus their shared commitment to rescuing these families — even at the expense of their health. Because they’re uniquely skilled at this work, the Catholic church seeks out their aid in cleansing these homes with symbolic rituals. In one scene, Ed Warren explains that their presence alone in the home provides comfort and peace for the family, letting them know they’re not alone.
Mia Tomlinson
As for scares, they start from the get-go, and except for necessary plot-building, the suspense continues to grow until we’re on a roller coaster ride with the Warrens in a battle against terrifying entities. All Lorraine Warren has to do is tilt her head as she listens to things the human ear can’t hear, which signals that spooky jumps are coming. Where she has the psychic power to read the room and figure out why hauntings are occurring, Ed carries the black bag with crosses, holy water, and the book of exorcism prayers.
We must acknowledge the fine direction by Michael Chaves who took over the series from James Wan. Chaves continues Wan’s use of newspaper clippings and TV news reporting the story – considered their most terrifying case — playing out in the media. There’s also a scene where the Warrens, on the lecture circuit, provide an explanation on how possessions start while sharing videos of past exorcisms, a staple in each film. This allows each movie to stand on its own but also creates a level of authenticity to the nightmarish events to come, and a chilling sense that, despite any skepticism, something very wrong is happening in these homes.
Steve Coulter
This may be the final flick in the series as noted by the title, and the age of the Warrens. It’s also the most personal one as the couple reminisce about their work over the years and anticipate what their future holds. The series is as much a tribute to the career of the original ghost hunters, as it is to the movie-going experience. A few treats are in store for fans of the series, so pay close attention to the final scene; and do stay until the credits finish rolling, it’s always worth it.
The Conjuring: Last Rites is the perfect Halloween film to see in a theatre, with fellow scare-seekers at your side. Oh, and maybe a pair of rosary beads in your pocket.
Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.
