By Isabella McHugh
Correspondent
For 12 years, the Warrens’ paranormal stories haunted our screens, and now, “The Conjuring” series delivers its last rites.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” horror movie was released on Sept. 5, and fared well at the box office. According to Variety, “‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ exorcised an impressive $34.5 million across Friday and preview screenings in 3,802 locations.”
“The Conjuring” has clawed its way to the top, becoming a renowned horror movie series worldwide. Starring Vera Farmiga as Lorraine, Patrick Wilson as Ed and Mia Tomlinson as Judy, this last film serves as the perfect ending, concluding the Warrens’s sinister cases once and for all.
The series is centered around a paranormal investigative couple, Ed and Lorraine Warren. In each suspenseful case, they confront forces that disrupt the fabric of life and death itself, tear into the mysteries behind each haunting, and bring to light incomprehensible evils that roam the Earth.
“The Conjuring” isn’t just a ghost story. It is based on the actual cases by the Warrens, who are paranormal investigators. While heavily exaggerated for cinematic purposes, the basis of these cases is supposedly real, which legitimizes the audience's fears.
It is important to note that the “Last Rites” film was not really their last case, and some artifacts, like the demonic mirror, were not part of the real events. That being said, the true story is still disturbing and terrifying in every way.
Ed Warren casting out demons in a scene from ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites.’ (Photo courtesy of IMDb)
Each case has left its mark upon the Warren family, but none so harrowing as their last.
The scene opens with the Warrens in one of their early cases. Lorraine is pregnant at the time and makes contact with a demonic presence, sending her into an excruciating and terror-filled labor.
This scene is frightening not only due to the tension and obvious pain of labor, but also the blood-chilling paranormal visions Lorraine has as well. It truly sets the tone for the film. The scene plays on maternal and familial fears that will grow in significance as the film progresses.
There is a time skip shortly after this scene, which leads to the film’s present-day case.
The entire movie feeds off of viewers’ fear through scenes that build upon one another, each more heart-pounding than the last.
There are also many tender moments shared between the Warren trio of mother, father and daughter, as well as the daughter’s boyfriend. These themes of love and support are the emotional backbone behind the film, making it more than just a scary movie. It is easy to connect with the characters and feel their pain as they embark on this arduous journey.
Apart from the excellent storyline and acting, the film itself has a dark atmosphere, characterized by its color schemes and lighting.
In the film, shadow lighting was a notable element, which subconsciously depicts an eerier story world. In a review by Big Gold Belt Media, they said, “What really elevates ‘Last Rites’ is the craft on display… The low-light photography is especially impressive, turning darkness into a character in its own right.”
Another element that adds to the lurid feel is the darkly shaded clothing worn by the characters. This is reflective of the film’s fear aspect as well as its gravity.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is an unmissable cinematic event that demands to be experienced on the big screen. Its masterful blend of terror, emotion, and artistry makes it more than just a movie — it's a cultural phenomenon that horror fans and movie lovers alike cannot afford to miss.
Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, whether you love or hate this series, one thing is certain: “The Conjuring” will continue to haunt horror movie history as an icon of its time.
