🪞 THE CONJURING: LAST RITES
Synopsis: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront.
Lived to see the final conjuring film, isn't that just great? I've been a fan of the conjuring franchise for years now but I've never watched a single conjuring movie in the theaters so for this one, I made sure that I saw it on the big screen.
From the first film, "The Conjuring," I already knew that I would love the whole franchise. I would agree that paranormal-themed horror films are often deemed as 'boring' in the horror films world. However, that was not the case for me at all. Surprisingly, I really enjoy paranormal films just like "The Last Exorcism," "Immaculate," "Paranormal Activity" and many more.
What really made me more interested is the portrayed fictional relationship of Ed and Lorraine Warren. If you don't know the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, it goes very dark. It is very different from the story being portrayed in the films. The Ed and Lorraine Warren in the films are both sweethearts. They're played by the amazing Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson. Their chemistry on both on screen and off screen are soooo good. I hope they get to have more horror projects with each other again soon! Not to mention, they match each other's outfits again! 🥺 Yeah that's a fun fact, Ed's tie always matches Lorraine's outfits in all movies.
This video essay from Wendigoon (I love Wendigoon) is a pretty good start if you want to know more about the Warren Huntings. I'm probably going to rewatch it again.
I already knew about the real Smurl Family Case before I watched the movie and trust me, it's even more disturbing in real life and I don't really understand why they left important details. The film mostly focused on the development of Judy Warren's psychic abilities much like her mother's. Truthfully, I cried like 3 times because I was really fond of The Conjuring Ed and Lorraine and their romantic life.
For me, the character designs of the demons in this film was perfect. I just wish they showcased more about them individually because they were introduced very briefly even though, they've done like most of the scaring. The three demons in the house are actually very lore-accurate. Although, there were definitely made-up scenes that I am pretty sure wasn't in the actual story since again, the focus on this film was mostly on Judy Warren.
Nevertheless, I don't get why some people would say it sucks or they hate it. I think if you're not very familiar with the franchise then, that's probably the reason why some of them hated it. I do think it's very different from the other movies because if you watched the other movies, you would notice that it definitely focused on each of the case. While there was build-up in the first part, all the action to exorcise the demon happened in the last part. I also agree that the film changing directors probably affected it, I love James Wan. He literally made all of my favorite horror movies.
Also, it kinda frustrated me that people were going haha on the last part where they defeated the demon inside the mirror. Obviously there was a symbolism there and it wasn't just for nothing. Remember how there was a flashback of Lorraine and Judy singing their song to ward off the evil spirits? That ties to Lorraine's fear of losing Judy to the dangers of being a psychic considering she almost lost her when she was a baby. That led to Lorraine constantly telling Judy to not engage with the spirits. However, that didn't go well since being a psychic is already a part of Judy's identity and life. She can't just erase it because that's who she is. The more she runs from it, the more it would want to get her. So, the last part was like Lorraine telling Judy to be brave and not run anymore since demons feed on their fear.
However, I do think that it was kind of weird that Lorraine was pregnant with Judy and was still battling with demons... Lorraine, sit this one out. The scariest part of the film for me was when Lorraine was being chased by the demon man with an axe (not really scary, but like anxiety-inducing). Also, special mention to that part where Annabelle contorted and became a giant. Yeah... no. That was a good one.
So yeah, that's it, I think. The editing as usual was perfect and it still fit with the other movies in the franchise. It's still not my favorite because nothing in the franchise can defeat the first Conjuring movie. Except maybe The Nun because I like that too.
Just to share my theater experience lol, this was the first time I watched a movie by myself and it was actually a good experience. The whole time I was scared if I was gonna pee and forcibly leave out of the theater but I didn't, 'cause I was invested. I got to sit at the very front row and was face-to-face with the cinema screen. Honestly, I would 100% do it again. I would start watching horror movies in theaters by myself because why do I need someone else with me if I can do it by myself?
Also found out I can code in my posts here, wow?
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