Conjuring The Last Rites – Release, Cast, Reviews, and True Story

Release Date of The Conjuring: Last Rites

The film hit U.S. theaters on September 5, 2025, with some international markets beginning rollout on September 3–4, 2025, according to Box Office Mojo. For those who prefer to watch at home, the Digital HD release followed on October 7, 2025, the same day the film became available for streaming on HBO Max, as confirmed by Rotten Tomatoes. Physical media (DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray) arrived on November 25, 2025.

Here are the key insights about the release:

• The film is the fourth mainline Conjuring film and is marketed as the final case for Ed and Lorraine Warren.
• Initial reviews from Empire highlight a balance of scares and sentimentality.
• The movie introduces a new entity while also revisiting previously established demons.
• Theatrical release preceded streaming; OTT platform details were confirmed only closer to the digital launch.
• The film grossed $499.3 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
• It has a runtime of 2 hours 15 minutes and is rated R for terror and bloody/violent content.

Who Is in the Cast of The Conjuring: Last Rites?

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Lorraine and Ed Warren, anchoring the film with the emotional weight of a final chapter. The supporting cast includes Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Steve Coulter, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, and Shannon Kook, as listed on Wikipedia and the film’s official trailer.

Who Is Directing The Conjuring: Last Rites?

Michael Chaves directs the film. Chaves is no stranger to the Conjuring universe, having previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II. His familiarity with the franchise’s tone is evident in the film’s balance of jump scares and character-driven horror.

Is The Conjuring: Last Rites Based on a True Story?

Yes. According to Wikipedia, the film is based on the Smurl haunting case, a well-documented investigation by Ed and Lorraine Warren. This makes the “true story” connection clearer than in some earlier Conjuring films, which drew from different Warren case files.

The official marketing emphasizes that the film is “based on real events” and presents it as a final chapter for the Warrens. However, as with all Hollywood adaptations, creative liberties have been taken to heighten the drama and scares.

Is Valak in The Conjuring: Last Rites?

Available sources do not confirm Valak as the central entity in Last Rites. While fan speculation has linked the film to the demonic nun introduced in The Conjuring 2, the film’s core real-world inspiration is the Smurl haunting, not the Valak case, according to the available material from Wikipedia and Box Office Mojo.

What Is the Mirror Demon in The Conjuring: Last Rites?

The “mirror demon” is a new entity introduced in the film’s marketing, but specific details about its role or origin are not yet confirmed by official studio materials. The sources available do not identify the mirror demon as a central figure in the Smurl haunting case.

What Are the Reviews for The Conjuring: Last Rites?

Critical reception has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 57% positive critic score with an average rating of 5.8/10. The critics’ consensus notes that the film “underwhelms as a climactic chapter” while still delivering the franchise’s spooky atmosphere.

Empire’s review strikes a more balanced tone, describing it as a film that “delivers another thrilling chapter” and “balances scares and sentimentality.” Despite the mixed critical response, the film’s box office performance—$499.3 million worldwide—demonstrates strong audience interest.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter… balances scares and sentimentality.”

— Empire

Is The Conjuring: Last Rites the Same as The Conjuring 4?

Yes. The Conjuring: Last Rites was initially announced as The Conjuring 4 before the final title was revealed. The “Last Rites” subtitle was chosen to underscore the film’s position as the concluding chapter of the Warrens’ mainline story.

Is The Conjuring: Last Rites the Final Conjuring Movie?

The film is marketed as the final case for Ed and Lorraine Warren, but whether it is the absolute final film in the Conjuring universe remains unconfirmed by Warner Bros. Given the franchise’s success—Last Rites is the highest-grossing entry—spin-offs or sequels focusing on other characters remain a possibility.

The Conjuring: Last Rites Production and Release Timeline

1. 2023 — Project announced as The Conjuring 4.
2. Early 2024 — Principal photography begins under Michael Chaves.
3. Late 2024 — Filming wraps; post-production begins.
4. March 2025 — First official trailer released.
5. September 3–4, 2025 — International theatrical release begins.
6. September 5, 2025 — U.S. theatrical release.
7. October 7, 2025 — Digital HD and HBO Max streaming release.
8. November 25, 2025 — DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray release.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

What Is the Context of The Conjuring: Last Rites Within the Franchise?

The Conjuring: Last Rites continues the series’ tradition of blending supernatural horror with dramatized real-life cases. Michael Chaves previously directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II, bringing familiarity with the franchise’s tone and visual language.

Early reviews suggest a more emotional, character-focused narrative compared to earlier entries, aligning with the “final case” framing. The film’s box office success—$499.3 million worldwide—makes it the highest-grossing film in the franchise, surpassing its predecessors.

Where Do the Reviews and Sources Come From?

The information in this article draws from established entertainment databases and critical outlets. Key sources include Wikipedia, IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and Empire.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites is a 2025 American supernatural horror film directed by Michael Chaves.”

— Wikipedia

“Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities.”

— IMDB Synopsis

Summary: What Should You Know About The Conjuring: Last Rites?

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a 2025 supernatural horror film directed by Michael Chaves, starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson in their final outing as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on the Smurl haunting case, the film grossed $499.3 million worldwide despite mixed critical reviews. It is available in theaters, on Digital HD, and streaming on HBO Max, with physical media releasing on November 25, 2025. For context on how it fits into the broader franchise, see our guide to The Conjuring Universe Movies in Order.

Frequently Asked Questions