The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
7/10
Directed by Michael Chaves
Starring Mia Tomlinson, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson
I am a BIG FAN of the Conjuring movies and the Conjuring Universe of films, and therefore was really excited to see The Last Rites, as it was supposed to be the end of the cConjuring movies mainline series. However, I read recently that a producer mentioned it was the end of the “Phase 1 mainline“ - I guess we will have to stand by and see what that means.
When it comes to this film, I think that the storyline is very interesting. I loved the implementation of constant flashbacks to young Ed and Lorraine to support the various acts and plot points throughout the film. As always, seeing Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson portray these iconic characters is always amazing to me.
What I was waiting for the most in The Last Rites was to see Mia Tomlinsons portrayal of Judy, now as one of the main characters in the film. We had already seen different partial portrayals of Judy in past Conjuring movies, like Sterling Jerins in the first two movies, and in the most recent The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). We also saw McKenna Grace play Judy in Anabelle Comes Home (2019). But never in the past movies was Judy’s portrayal so important like it was in The Last Rites.
I think that Mia Tomlinson did a good job with her portrayal of Judy in this film. Despite the lack of continuity with the portrayals of the character throughout different films, Tomlinson’s Judy is the one I’ve liked the most (partially because she has the most screen time and the most character development). She was a really good cast for the character, I think that the audience was able to understand the pureness, but also fear of the character thanks to her portrayal.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson did a good job, as per usual, no need to discuss their performances. I feel like we are all used to them playing Ed and Lorraine Warren at this point.
One of the things that made this film’s story so interesting, was the mirroring of Judy and Lorraine’s ability/gift to feel the presence of entities and spirits. I specifically recall one of the first scenes where we see Judy’s ability come to light when Lorraine, Ed and her are ordering food at the Diner. Which started the series of instances where they both would feel the presence of entities at the same time. This mirroring of Lorraine on Judy played an important part on both of the characters arcs over the film, which I really enjoyed watching.
Finally, I’d say that as a Conjuring fan, this is not one of my top movies in the universe, however, it was a very solid watch that I was really excited for. And to be honest… it did not dissapoint. Another solid Conjuring movie in the books.
Hopefully not the last.
Peace :)
