Closing the Curtain on Fear: A Personal Review of The Conjuring: Last Rites

Release Date in Indonesia

Horror enthusiasts in Indonesia did not have to wait long for the much-anticipated finale of the Conjuring saga. The Conjuring: Last Rites officially premiered on September 3, 2025 across major cinemas nationwide. With a runtime of 135 minutes, the film promised an emotionally charged and chilling conclusion to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s journey, a franchise that has shaped modern supernatural horror for more than a decade.

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Synopsis

The Conjuring: Last Rites returns audiences to the world of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators whose cases inspired the franchise. This installment intertwines the past and present, centering on a mysterious antique mirror that resurfaces as both a supernatural threat and a deeply personal symbol of the Warrens’ history.

The narrative touches upon pivotal moments from Lorraine’s pregnancy and Judy Warren’s early life, while drawing the couple into one final confrontation with a malevolent force targeting an unsuspecting family. While the plot embraces elements of haunted houses, possessions, and sinister apparitions, it also deepens the emotional stakes: the Warrens face not just external horrors, but the fragility of their family bonds.

Without venturing into spoiler territory, the story functions as both a case file and a farewell, one last descent into the unknown, where the boundary between faith, love, and terror is tested.

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Personal Reflections

Nostalgia Meets Expectation

Coming into this film, expectations were undeniably high. As the closing chapter of such an iconic franchise, the weight of nostalgia loomed large. Last Rites delivers familiar atmospheric tension, eerie cinematography, and the classic tone that fans have come to associate with the Conjuring brand. Yet, that same familiarity sometimes acts as a double-edged sword, with moments that feel like deliberate callbacks rather than fresh scares.

Emotional Depth vs. Pure Terror

One of the film’s strongest qualities lies in its balance between emotional storytelling and horror. Instead of relying solely on ghosts and sudden apparitions, it weaves themes of love, sacrifice, and family resilience into the plot. As a viewer, I found myself drawn as much to the Warrens’ humanity as to the supernatural threats. That said, the horror elements occasionally fall back on predictable jump scares and loud audio cues. Effective, but rarely innovative.

A Pacing That Tests Patience

The film takes its time to establish context, often delving into flashbacks and detailed exposition. While this approach enriches the lore, it slows the momentum. Some sequences feel extended, leaving viewers waiting for the true stakes to escalate. For casual horror fans, this pacing may feel sluggish, though longtime followers may appreciate the narrative layering.

Character Dynamics

The decision to place Judy Warren in a more active and vulnerable role adds depth to the story. No longer just the protected child, Judy’s struggles against the encroaching darkness provide a generational continuity that feels both natural and compelling. Meanwhile, Ed and Lorraine remain the emotional anchors: flawed, steadfast, and willing to confront unimaginable terror for the sake of their family.

The Final Knot

As a concluding chapter, Last Rites attempts to tie together threads from across the franchise. The resolution, while cohesive and emotionally satisfying, sometimes feels too neat for a universe built on lingering mysteries. Personally, I would have preferred a slightly more ambiguous ending, one that left audiences unsettled and questioning. Still, the filmmakers clearly intended to provide closure, and in that respect, they succeed.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Atmospheric visuals that recall the franchise’s early magic

• Emotional storytelling that highlights family and sacrifice

• Strong character arcs, especially for Judy Warren

• A cohesive attempt to close the saga

Weaknesses

• Reliance on formulaic jump scares

• Occasional pacing issues, particularly in the first half

• A finale that feels overly polished, reducing the sense of dread

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Who Should Watch

• Fans who have followed The Conjuring Universe from the beginning, this film rewards loyalty with callbacks and emotional resonance.

• Viewers who appreciate horror with heart, those who value emotional depth as much as supernatural suspense.

• Casual horror fans may still enjoy the scares, though they might find the slower pacing less engaging.

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Conclusion

The Conjuring: Last Rites is an ambitious and heartfelt conclusion to one of horror cinema’s most enduring sagas. It may not reinvent the wheel, and its scares sometimes tread familiar ground, but it offers something more valuable: closure. By blending emotional stakes with supernatural thrills, it reminds audiences why Ed and Lorraine Warren’s stories resonated in the first place.

For me, the film earns a 7.5/10, not flawless, but a fitting farewell. It closes the door on an era while leaving behind echoes that will continue to haunt audiences long after the credits roll.