Director Michael Chaves says it’s time to close this chapter. He felt pressure guiding the last case, but he wanted the series to end on its own terms. The team did not want to run the idea into the ground, and fans deserve a high note. 

Stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson back that feeling. They’ve played the Warrens since 2013, and they see this as a natural finish. Their bond off camera helped them carry the weight of this goodbye. 

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The case that drives the plot

The film is set in 1986 Pennsylvania to help a family facing violent activity in their home. The story draws from the Smurl haunting, a widely discussed case from West Pittston. Reports described shocks, smells, and attacks, and the Warrens claimed multiple spirits were present. The family’s ordeal spawned a book and a TV movie in 1991. 

  • Back to basics: a family, a house, and a haunting.
  • Personal stakes: the Warrens face what years of work have cost them.
  • New faces: Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy join as Judy Warren and Tony Spera. 

Early reviews: praise and pushback

First reviews are mixed. Some critics call it a scary and stylish farewell. Others say the story drags and the scares feel tired. That split fits a long-running horror series, and it shows how expectations differ. 

  • What works: mood, period detail, and the lead performances get praise. 
  • What doesn’t: a few reviewers see slow pacing and thin thrills. 

Box office outlook: can it extend a hot streak?

Warner Bros. is on a roll. After a string of big openings, this release could push the run to eight straight films at $40M+ opening weekends in the U.S. Projections suggest a $50M+ debut for Last Rites. If that happens, the finale will add another milestone to a very profitable universe. 

  • Why the optimism? A known brand, a farewell hook, and a prime early-September date. 

How to watch

The movie opens only in theaters at first. As a Warner Bros. title, it’s expected to stream on Max later, based on past patterns. Decider notes digital and streaming windows could follow in October, but those timelines can shift. 

Why this ending makes sense

The series began with a couple who choose to stand together against fear. This film brings that idea full circle. It respects the characters and the audience. It also protects the brand, because endless sequels can wear out the magic. Ending the Warrens’ arc now lets new stories grow later, and it keeps this chapter special. 

Key facts

Item Details
U.S. release September 5, 2025 (some countries opened earlier) 
Director Michael Chaves 
Writers Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick 
Cast (highlights) Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, plus series veterans in supporting roles 
Setting 1986, Pennsylvania 
Inspiration The alleged Smurl family haunting investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren 
Franchise status Fourth main Conjuring film; ninth in the universe; billed as the Warrens’ farewell 
Runtime Reported at about 135 minutes 

At a glance: what’s new and notable

  • Final main story for Ed and Lorraine Warren. 
  • Ninth film in the Conjuring universe overall. 
  • Smurl case gives the movie a true-crime edge. 
  • Runtime is on the longer side for the series. 

Bottom line: The Conjuring: Last Rites closes the book on the Warrens with a case that is close to their roots. The scares may not hit everyone the same way, but the farewell has heart, and the box office could be strong.

Annelise Sylta

About the author

Annelise Sylta

Annelise Sylta is a member of the editorial staff at The Showbiz Journal. She holds an MBA from FIDM and brings a professional background in marketing, communications, branding, and audience engagement to her work with the publication. Her experience provides an additional perspective on the intersection of entertainment, culture, media, and contemporary lifestyle.