After over a decade of demonic hauntings, cursed objects, and spiritual warfare, The Conjuring 4: Last Rites delivers what may be the most emotionally devastating and spiritually intense entry in the franchise. Directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves, this final chapter promises a chilling conclusion to the saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren — and it delivers with unholy fury.
Blending old-school gothic horror with contemporary dread, Last Rites is a haunting meditation on faith, legacy, and sacrifice. It’s not just another exorcism flick — it’s a full-on spiritual war.
Set in 1987, Last Rites opens with a cryptic scene: a dying priest in Rome scribbles a warning in blood — “She has risen.” Meanwhile, in Connecticut, Ed and Lorraine Warren (portrayed once again with gripping sincerity by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) are trying to retire quietly, but peace doesn’t last long.
When a series of horrific possessions erupt across Europe — all marked by a strange sigil and black rosary beads — the Vatican calls on the Warrens for one final investigation. At the center of the chaos lies the Abbey of Santa Mircalla, an abandoned convent in southern Italy, rumored to be the site of an excommunicated order known as The Brides of Belial.
The Warrens travel to the abbey only to find themselves facing a malevolent force unlike anything they’ve encountered before: Sister Lilith, a demon of deception and resurrection, who seeks not just to possess — but to resurrect Satan’s chosen vessel.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again prove why their portrayal of the Warrens remains one of horror’s most compelling pairings. Wilson’s Ed, now showing signs of a weakening heart and spiritual doubt, is more vulnerable than ever. Farmiga’s Lorraine, still haunted by her visions, must face her most terrifying prophecy yet: one of them won’t make it home.
Their chemistry is still palpable, and their emotional depth adds layers of heartbreak and resolve to the film’s escalating terror. A touching scene where Ed hears his wedding vows echoed during a near-death vision is one of the most poignant in the series.
Supporting them is newcomer Lucia Ferraro as Sister Maria, a young nun torn between faith and fear. Her performance brings innocence and courage, offering a new lens on spiritual warfare.
The scares in Last Rites aren’t just well-crafted — they’re merciless. Long sequences of silence build unbearable tension, often shattered by abrupt, nightmarish encounters. One particularly horrifying moment involves a possessed choir of nuns chanting backward Latin, their eyes burned black, blood dripping from their mouths as the walls tremble.
The demon Lilith is perhaps the most terrifying entity introduced yet in the Conjuring universe. Unlike Valak, who thrived on presence, Lilith thrives on mimicry — imitating loved ones, holy voices, and even the dead. Her ability to appear as Lorraine’s long-dead mother adds a psychological twist rarely seen in the franchise.
Last Rites digs deeper into the Warrens' internal struggles than previous entries. Lorraine’s visions now blur between prophecy and delusion. Ed begins to question if they’ve truly helped people — or simply prolonged their suffering.
The film asks a chilling question: What happens when faith is no longer enough? It’s not about defeating evil anymore — it’s about surviving its final blow.
Director Chaves expertly plays with religious imagery. Crucifixes are turned upside down, but not in the expected shock-value way — instead, they crumble slowly, melting like wax under demonic heat. Prayers echo into silence. Holy water turns to blood.
The film’s climax — an inverted exorcism where Lorraine must invite the demon into herself to trap it — is as disturbing as it is emotional. The image of her whispering scripture while bleeding from her eyes will linger long after the credits roll.
The film moves deliberately, with slow-burn sequences building toward gut-punch climaxes. While some fans may miss the “case-of-the-week” style from earlier entries, Last Rites benefits from its focused, endgame structure. Every step feels like it’s leading to an inevitable reckoning — and by the time it arrives, it hits like a hammer of holy fire.
The Conjuring 4: Last Rites succeeds not only as a terrifying horror film but also as a love letter to fans. There are callbacks to every major event from the previous films — from the Perron farmhouse to the Enfield poltergeist. Even Annabelle makes a subtle cameo in a haunting vision sequence.
But most importantly, the film gives the Warrens a dignified, bittersweet farewell. The final moments — a quiet graveyard scene, Lorraine placing a single white rose on a gravestone while whispering, “We did what we could” — bring tears and closure.
⭐ Final Verdict: 9/10
The Conjuring 4: Last Rites is a triumphant, terrifying, and tragically beautiful end to one of horror cinema’s most iconic sagas. More than just jump scares and demons, it’s about love, loss, and what we leave behind in the face of unrelenting darkness.
It’s not just a movie — it’s a final prayer whispered into the night.
👍 Pros
✔️ Powerful performances by Wilson and Farmiga
✔️ Emotionally resonant storytelling
✔️ Visually haunting cinematography
✔️ One of the series’ scariest demons
✔️ Satisfying franchise conclusion
👎 Cons
❌ Slightly slow-paced in the second act
❌ Lacks standalone scares for casual viewers
