The Conjuring: Last Rites is the emotional and terrifying final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Set in 1986, five years after the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the Warrens are semi-retired, with Ed’s heart condition forcing them to slow down and focus on university lectures rather than active investigations. However, their quiet life is shattered when they’re drawn into the infamous Smurl family haunting—a real-life case involving Janet and Jack Smurl and their family, who are tormented by escalating supernatural phenomena in their Pennsylvania home. The film leans heavily into the family dynamic, with their now-adult daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony Spera (Ben Hardy) playing pivotal roles as the Warrens confront not only external evil but also reckon with their own legacy and mortality.
The story is deeply personal, exploring the toll that years of battling the supernatural have taken on the Warrens. Lorraine’s clairvoyance is shown to be inherited by Judy, adding a new layer of generational trauma and hope. The haunting itself is depicted with the franchise’s signature blend of atmospheric dread and shocking set pieces, but the real horror comes from the Warrens facing twisted doppelgangers of themselves—manifestations of their fears and regrets.
Flashbacks to their younger selves (played by Orion Smith and Madison Lawlor) add emotional weight, culminating in a climactic confrontation that tests their faith, love, and resolve. The film ends with the Warrens surviving the ordeal but finally stepping away from their work, passing the torch to Judy and Tony, and embracing a quieter life, symbolizing the end of an era for the franchise.
Production Budget & Franchise Net Worth:
While the exact budget for Last Rites hasn’t been officially disclosed, previous entries in the series have ranged from$20$40 million. Given the scale and “finale” status, estimates place this film’s budget at around$40 million. The Conjuring Universe as a whole has grossed over$2 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful horror franchises ever. The net worth of the franchise, including box office, home media, and streaming, is estimated to be well over$2.1 billion as of 2025.
