The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – Horror at Its Peak

The Conjuring universe returns in 2025 with its latest installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites. Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by James Wan and Peter Safran, this film dives deep into one of the Warrens’ most disturbing cases — the Smurl Haunting.

Once again, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) lead the story, but this time their daughter, Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson), plays a bigger role in the supernatural chaos surrounding a mysterious antique mirror.

The Chilling Plot

The film opens with a 1964 flashback, showing Ed and Lorraine investigating an antique mirror. Lorraine nearly loses her baby, Judy, after a paranormal attack linked to the object. Fast forward to 1986: the Smurl family moves into a new home in Pennsylvania, only to be terrorized by strange voices, foul smells, falling objects, and even violent attacks.

Things escalate when Judy feels a strange pull toward the mirror, making her a target of the dark entity. The climax brings a gripping exorcism scene, where the Warrens and Judy unite to destroy the mirror and banish the entity.

Inspired by a True Story

What makes this installment more frightening is its basis in real events. In the 1980s, the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, reported extreme hauntings, from ghostly apparitions to physical assaults.

Though skeptics dismissed the events as hallucinations or hoaxes, the film dramatizes the story, blending fact with fiction to keep viewers on edge.

Box Office Success and Critical Response

Released on September 3, 2025 (Indonesia and worldwide) and September 5 in North America, the movie made a massive debut. With a budget of US$55 million, The Conjuring: Last Rites grossed US$81.8 million globally in just a short time.

Its opening day alone raked in US$34.5 million, breaking franchise records. Critics gave it a 62% score on Rotten Tomatoes — higher than The Devil Made Me Do It but still behind the first two Conjuring films. Praise mainly goes to the cast’s performances and technical execution, while some felt the story leaned too melodramatic.

The film is expected to hit premium VOD by October 2025, and likely stream on HBO Max between November 2025 and early 2026.

Special Tribute

The end credits honor Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator and caretaker of the infamous Annabelle doll, who passed away in July 2025. This dedication adds an emotional touch to the chilling experience.

Final Thoughts

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) delivers a gripping mix of family drama, supernatural terror, and true-story inspiration. With a sinister mirror at the center of the plot and Judy Warren stepping into the spotlight, this film cements itself as one of the must-watch horror releases of the year.