The Conjuring: Last Rites continues the legacy of its predecessors while illustrating how the horror genre has evolved on both screen and in audience expectations. Released on September 5, 2023, this installment is once again directed by Michael Chaves and serves as a sequel to The Conjuring 3, featuring the beloved characters Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, respectively.
A Stubborn Reliance on Formula
The Conjuring franchise emerged as a modern take on ghostly stories, drawing inspiration from classic horror films that dominated the 1970s and 1980s. Yet, despite the creative storytelling exhibited in earlier installments, Last Rites showcases a reluctance to adapt or innovate. While the first film brought a refreshing vigor to the genre, setting the stage for what would become a successful horror universe, this new entry feels like a regression—a familiar pattern recycled without sufficient refreshment.
The film initiates with a nostalgic prologue that highlights the Warrens as young parents, providing viewers a sense of backstory and emotional grounding before jumping into the main plot. Fast forward to 1986, and we find the couple struggling to remain relevant in a world that thrills to Ghostbusters rather than genuine supernatural encounters. This foundational aspect of the story speaks to a larger trend, where traditional horror struggles against modern narratives and humor-infused genres.
Plot Overview
Set in a small Pennsylvanian town, the plot introduces an antique mirror that acts as a gateway to hell, embroiling the Warrens in yet another supernatural investigation. However, it takes nearly 75 minutes before the story transitions from relationship dynamics to the actual horror elements, creating a slow-burning tension that loses momentum. Such pacing appears intentional, perhaps aiming to showcase the characters this franchise is built on, but it ultimately feels like a long-winded setup for more familiar scares.
Character Dynamics
One of the defining characteristics of The Conjuring series is its focus on character development over sheer thrill. In Last Rites, that characteristic turns into a double-edged sword. While Wilson and Farmiga’s performances provide a sturdy backbone, their solid portrayals cannot mask the film’s inability to move beyond formulaic cliches. Viewers expecting innovative character arcs or evolution might find themselves disillusioned, as the characters remain painfully predictable within a haunted residential backdrop.
The relationship between Ed and Lorraine adds emotional weight. Their exchanges are heartfelt, providing moments of levity and nostalgia that resonate with fans of the franchise. Yet, these moments contrast sharply with the very predictable horror elements that follow, such as creepy dolls and the standard ascent of ominous staircases.
A Static Experience
Notably, the horror scenes do not deliver any significant surprises, relying heavily on traditional jump scares reminiscent of past entries. While jump scares can be effective tools in horror, they feel stale and overused here. The music, featuring Howard Jones, plays to nostalgia but feels misplaced in a horror narrative, rendering even frightening moments into echoes of past hits. The film gives the impression of maintaining safety within the parameters of its genre, without venturing into new territory.
Themes of Nostalgia and Resistance to Change
One central theme running through Last Rites is nostalgia—both for the characters and for the horror genre itself. The Warrens have become synonymous with a certain brand of supernatural storytelling, acting as touchstones for audiences who favor comfort over innovation. Their square personas resonate with a demographic that regards horror as a fun rather than genuinely frightening experience. This idea of shaking hands with the past makes sense, but it poses a problem for contemporary audiences who thrive on unexpected twists and character depth.
The Last Rites in Context
In the context of modern horror, where independent films and smaller productions are reshaping expectations—think Hereditary or Midsommar—Last Rites illustrates a growing chasm. The film appears to rest on its laurels, failing to consider the broader horror renaissance happening outside its established franchise. Such stagnation raises questions about whether the series will remain relevant, or if audiences will seek fresh experiences elsewhere.
Conclusion
Ultimately, The Conjuring: Last Rites offers a mixed bag, appealing primarily to die-hard fans of the franchise who appreciate its long-established elements. With a focus on character-driven narratives set within the familiar confines of supernatural folklore, the film succeeds on some levels. However, its reliance on predictable tropes and a glacial pacing detracts from the overall experience.
As the horror genre continues to evolve, questioning old tropes and embracing new narratives, the franchise’s inability to keep pace may compel it to take a long, hard look in the mirror—before it becomes the haunted relic itself. While audiences might enjoy the comforting familiarity of the Warrens, the franchise must reckon with how to balance nostalgia with meaningful innovation. Last Rites encapsulates a moment in time for both horror storytelling and its cinematic portrayal, stubbornly resistant to change when it may very well need it most.
