The Conjuring: Last Rites is the highly anticipated fourth installment in The Conjuring franchise, set to be released on September 5, 2025. Directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the film once again brings back Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. With the franchise’s reputation for delivering spine-chilling horror, expectations are high for this next chapter.
While Warner Bros. has kept most of the plot details under wraps, rumors suggest that the film may revolve around one of the Warrens’ lesser-known but terrifying real-life cases. Some theories indicate that the story might explore the infamous Smurl haunting, a case involving a Pennsylvania family tormented by demonic forces in the 1980s. If true, this could provide the perfect foundation for another unsettling supernatural thriller.
One of the biggest concerns among fans is the return of director Michael Chaves. While his previous work in The Conjuring universe has been met with mixed reviews, some feel that his directing style lacks the tension and masterful pacing that James Wan brought to the original films. However, with Wilson and Farmiga reprising their roles, their chemistry and strong performances may compensate for any concerns about the direction.
Visually, The Conjuring films have always thrived on eerie cinematography and practical effects, and Last Rites is expected to follow suit. If the film maintains the franchise’s signature dark atmosphere, slow-building suspense, and chilling sound design, it has the potential to stand out as one of the scarier entries in the series.
As the supposed final installment in the main Conjuring storyline, Last Rites carries the heavy burden of bringing the Warrens’ cinematic journey to a satisfying conclusion. Whether it delivers the terrifying experience fans crave or falls short of expectations remains to be seen, but anticipation is already at an all-time high.
In the end, The Conjuring: Last Rites has all the right ingredients for a gripping horror film—haunted house thrills, demonic entities, and the ever-reliable Warrens at the center of it all. If executed well, it could be a worthy send-off for one of the most successful horror franchises in modern cinema. Fans will have to wait until September 2025 to find out if it lives up to the hype. 
