One Last Scare? Unpacking The Conjuring: Last Rites

The chilling saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren, which has haunted audiences for over a decade, is seemingly drawing to a close with the upcoming release of The Conjuring: Last Rites. Set to premiere on September 5, 2025, this ninth installment in the Conjuring Universe promises to be a terrifying final chapter for the beloved paranormal investigators portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. But how does it connect to the films that came before, and what spine-tingling possibilities await us?

A Universe of Fear: Connecting the Threads

The Conjuring Universe is known for its intricate web of prequels, sequels, and spin-offs, all loosely connected by the cases investigated by the Warrens or the malevolent entities they encountered. The Conjuring (2013) introduced us to Ed and Lorraine as they helped the Perron family, while also giving glimpses of the terrifying Annabelle doll. The Conjuring 2 (2016) took them to England to face the Enfield Poltergeist and introduced the demonic nun, Valak, who later starred in her own prequel films, The Nun (2018) and The Nun II (2023), set decades before the main Conjuring timeline.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), the most recent main series film, saw the Warrens involved in a murder trial where demonic possession was the defense. Now, Last Rites will reportedly delve into the haunting of the Smurl family in 1986, a case known for its intense and prolonged paranormal activity.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Conjuring films is the underlying thread of Ed and Lorraine’s relationship and their unwavering faith. Each movie, while showcasing a unique haunting, also deepens our understanding of their bond and their commitment to helping those tormented by the supernatural. Last Rites, being touted as their final case, will likely emphasize this emotional core even further.

What Horrors Await? Teasing Potential Theories

While plot details for The Conjuring: Last Rites are still largely under wraps, the fact that it’s based on the Smurl haunting offers some clues. Reports from the time describe a family terrorized by multiple entities, experiencing everything from strange noises and odors to physical and even sexual assaults. This suggests that Last Rites could feature a more complex and multifaceted demonic presence than previous films.

Given that this is intended to be the “end of the story with Patrick and Vera as Ed and Lorraine,” as producer Peter Safran mentioned, some fans are speculating about the ultimate fate of the Warrens on screen. Will they face an entity too powerful to overcome? Could one of them meet a tragic end in their final case?

Interestingly, there’s also been talk of introducing younger versions of Ed and Lorraine, hinting at potential flashbacks that could explore their early years and perhaps even shed light on the origins of their abilities and their partnership. This could serve not only to enrich their established characters but also to potentially pave the way for future stories within the Conjuring Universe focusing on a different timeline.

Director Michael Chaves even teased a “shamelessly big” and “epic” culmination, hinting at the possibility of bringing together elements from the wider universe. While he ultimately leaned towards a more personal story, the thought of previous demonic entities resurfacing in some form isn’t entirely off the table for fan theories. Could Annabelle or Valak make a terrifying reappearance as part of the Warrens’ final ordeal?

The Final Verdict?

The Conjuring: Last Rites has the potential to be a truly impactful and terrifying conclusion to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s central narrative within this beloved horror franchise. By drawing upon a well-documented and frightening real-life case and potentially delving deeper into the Warrens themselves, it could deliver a memorable and emotional farewell.

What are your theories for The Conjuring: Last Rites? What connections to previous films are you hoping to see? Let us know your thoughts!

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