The Conjuring: Last Rites arrives as the purported final chapter in the storied Warren saga, reuniting Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga for one more harrowing confrontation with demonic forces. Set across sprawling timelines and haunted houses, the film attempts to balance its horror roots with a wistful acknowledgment that its central characters are aging, even as they face one last supernatural challenge.
Critics have responded with a mix of admiration and frustration. Some praise the film’s emotional core and the performances of its leads, noting moments of genuine tension and a satisfying climax. Others, however, argue that Last Rites leans too heavily on reuse of franchise tropes, sacrificing originality and pacing for familiarity.
No fewer than 45 student newspapers across the country posted reviews of the film in this month of Halloween. Here are some of the best — six reviews that show the divide by highlighting strengths such as atmosphere, character stakes, or emotional resonance, while also grappling with the film’s structural shortcomings and its struggle to land as a memorable finale.
Karmah Miller, Elkhart Central High School, Indiana:
Ed Warren and his wife Lorraine … have previous experiences in demonic hauntings and possession cases. Together, they take on the Smurl Haunting case as their last showdown. The investigation escalates when a cursed mirror from the Warrens’ past soon becomes a focusing threat to their family.
Jorja Bolinger, Albert Lea High School in Minnesota:
Does evil ever really die? That’s exactly what you will question while watching The Conjuring: Last Rites. Even when you think you have conquered your fears, do they ever really quit? That’s for you to decide. Will you keep fighting or give up?
Alyssa Pelayo, Van Nuys High School in California:
The movie definitely wasn’t the worst of the franchise. Some parts felt a little corny and not well-made, but overall it wasn’t bad. It still couldn’t outdo the first Conjuring movie, but as the fifth iteration in the franchise, it was fine.
Jackson O’Donnell, Rouse High School, Leander, Texas:
It’s spooky enough to enjoy but you definitely should watch all the films to truly understand everything going on. Overall, I would rate this movie a 3 out of 5 stars. The film is definitely scary enough to keep you entertained, but comes off as predictable at times and isn’t a standout amongst the series.
Benjamin Golabek, Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan:
Simply put, the movie succumbs to one of the worst sins a movie can; it was just boring. The pacing was poor as the main characters, the Warren family, don’t get involved with the actual haunting until an hour and a half in.
Jack Coffey, Kingwood Park High School in Texas:
The lead performances from Wilson and Farmiga are perfectly passable, but in the end, they do not save this movie from its fate — that being boring and pointless mediocrity. I cannot say the same for the side characters in the film, who are … completely forgettable.
