5 TERRIFYING SECRETS OF THE CONJURING: LAST RITES—The True Story That Ends The Warrens' Saga

Contents
The highly anticipated final chapter in the core saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren, *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, has finally hit theaters, marking a pivotal, and terrifying, conclusion to the Warrens' cinematic journey. As of December 23, 2025, the film, which premiered on September 5, 2025, is still sending shockwaves through the horror community, with many fans now eagerly awaiting its streaming debut on HBO Max on November 21. This ninth installment in the expansive *Conjuring* film series is not just another demonic possession story; it’s a direct adaptation of one of the most disturbing and controversial cases from the real-life files of the paranormal investigators, known as the Smurl haunting. Producer James Wan and director Michael Chaves have promised a chilling farewell that takes the franchise back to its grounded, case-file roots, ensuring the Warrens' final on-screen investigation is their most harrowing yet.

The Core Cast and Creative Team: A Final Reunion

The success of *The Conjuring* franchise has always rested on the authentic chemistry and dedication of its lead actors and the vision of its creators. *The Conjuring: Last Rites* brings back the essential team for the grand finale.
  • Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren: Wilson returns as the demonologist and co-founder of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). His portrayal of Ed Warren has been central to the franchise's emotional core.
  • Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren: Farmiga reprises her role as the famed clairvoyant and medium. Lorraine's psychic abilities are often the key to unlocking the truth behind the demonic entities they face.
  • Michael Chaves (Director): Chaves, who previously directed *The Curse of La Llorona* and *The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It*, steps back into the director’s chair. He has now directed more *Conjuring* universe films than anyone else, solidifying his role in the franchise's legacy.
  • James Wan (Producer): The original director and architect of the entire *Conjuring Universe* remains a key producer under his banner, Atomic Monster Productions, ensuring the film adheres to the established lore and tone.
  • Writers: The screenplay was penned by Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing, with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick also contributing to the story.
The film is produced by New Line Cinema and The Safran Company, with distribution handled by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Terrifying True Story: The Smurl Haunting Case

Unlike previous films that drew on famous cases like the Perron family or the Amityville Horror, *The Conjuring: Last Rites* focuses on the Smurl haunting, a deeply unsettling series of events that took place in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, between the 1970s and 1980s.

The case centers on Jack and Janet Smurl, who claimed their home was terrorized by multiple paranormal entities, including a powerful demonic entity and a succubus. The alleged abuse was severe, involving claims of physical and sexual assault on both Jack and Janet Smurl. This extreme nature is what sets the Smurl case apart, making it one of the most controversial and challenging investigations the Warrens ever took on.

The film’s plot is said to kick off with Ed and Lorraine investigating an antique curio shop. An antique mirror is the catalyst for the terror, with Lorraine reportedly collapsing after touching it and causing it to break. This event likely connects the Warrens directly to the demonic object that eventually plagues the Smurl family home, a narrative device used to link the investigators to the haunting.

Why 'Last Rites' Marks The End of an Era

The title itself, *Last Rites*, is a clear signal that this is the definitive conclusion for the main storyline featuring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Producer James Wan has repeatedly emphasized that the goal was to create a satisfying and final chapter for the beloved paranormal investigators.

The film serves as a powerful bookend, not just to the core trilogy, but to the entire *Conjuring Universe*. While spin-offs featuring key entities like Annabelle, Valak the Nun, or the Crooked Man may continue, the saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren confronting the most powerful demonic forces—from Bathsheba to the entities in the Smurl case—is reaching its crescendo.

The focus on the Smurl case, a story involving a deeply personal and physically abusive haunting, suggests the Warrens are facing a level of evil that demands their absolute final effort, pushing them to their spiritual and emotional limits. This final confrontation is designed to give the characters the send-off they deserve after years of battling evil for the sake of innocent families.

Key Entities and Lore in The Conjuring Universe

*The Conjuring: Last Rites* is expected to draw upon the rich lore established over the course of the franchise, ensuring a deep dive into the theological and demonic entities the Warrens have documented.

The Smurl case itself involved a powerful demonic entity that the Warrens attempted to confront through multiple exorcisms. The entity's ability to manifest as a succubus, a demonic figure that preys on sexual desire, adds a layer of psychological and physical horror rarely seen in the main *Conjuring* films. This final confrontation will likely require the Warrens to use every tool at their disposal, from crucifixes and holy water to Lorraine's unique clairvoyance.

The inclusion of the Smurl case, a story that has been adapted before in the 1991 film *The Haunted*, brings a new level of maturity and terror to the franchise. By tackling the most controversial cases, *Last Rites* aims to cement its place as the definitive, and darkest, entry in the saga, providing a fittingly terrifying farewell to the paranormal investigators who started it all.

5 TERRIFYING SECRETS OF THE CONJURING: LAST RITES—The True Story That Ends The Warrens' Saga
conjuring last rites
conjuring last rites

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Johanna Bode
  • Username : mathew.prosacco
  • Email : orrin.buckridge@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1973-12-27
  • Address : 94293 Donnelly Neck New Floyport, MO 32395-6700
  • Phone : 1-804-507-2256
  • Company : Gulgowski Ltd
  • Job : Stock Broker
  • Bio : Iure esse quia libero facere omnis dolorem. Omnis libero dolor veritatis accusantium aut pariatur sed. Soluta maiores sed neque voluptas sit sed. Iure nam rerum quia quas veritatis voluptatem.

Socials

facebook:

instagram:

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/beer2010
  • username : beer2010
  • bio : Cumque officia labore asperiores. Eum illum repellendus ipsum atque officiis quidem amet atque. Id sed consequatur cupiditate at.
  • followers : 131
  • following : 166