The Conjuring franchise has captivated horror fans for over a decade, with its chilling tales of paranormal investigations led by the iconic husband-and-wife team, Ed and Lorraine Warren. As the series reaches its fourth installment, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” fans eagerly anticipated a fitting conclusion to the Warrens’ cinematic journey. However, as our reviewer Dalenogarew points out, this final chapter falls short of the high standards set by the earlier films in the franchise.
A Familiar Formula, Lacking Originality
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” highlights the film’s inability to break free from the formula that has defined the series. Michael Chaves, who has helmed all four films in the franchise, “masticate[s] again all that was done in The Conjuring, but without the same construction of tension, without the same idea of terror.” Instead, the film relies heavily on jump scares, a tactic that I describes as lacking in subtlety, “with the subtlety of a hammer blow.”
The reviewer further laments the film’s pacing, which he finds uneven, with a “unnecessary prologue” that “deviates completely from the strategic line of thought, development, and tension.” This, he argues, is a result of the film’s attempt to juggle multiple storylines, including the Warrens’ personal drama and the haunting of the Smurl family, without successfully integrating them into a cohesive narrative.
The Warrens’ Cinematic Legacy
Despite the film’s flaws, I recognize the enduring appeal of the Warrens, portrayed by the ever-reliable duo of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The “chemistry of the two for a horror franchise, a franchise that opened the door of the genre for many people who started to follow, started to get interested in haunted stories because of The Conjuring” is a key factor in the franchise’s success.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” serves as a symbolic farewell to the Warrens, solidifying their cinematic legacy as noble, well-intentioned heroes who have dedicated their lives to combating the forces of evil. He writes, “The priority is to create the panorama that the couple represents the good, that the couple has always been well-intentioned, always had a noble attitude, really fought evil.”
The Warrens’ Real-Life Controversies
However, my review also touches on a crucial aspect that the film seemingly glosses over – the real-life controversies surrounding the Warrens. As I notes, the film presents the Warrens in a purely positive light, without addressing the “any controversy of real life.” This is a significant omission, as the Warrens’ work has been the subject of much debate and criticism over the years.
For those unfamiliar with the Warrens’ real-life exploits, they were renowned for their investigations of alleged paranormal phenomena, including hauntings, possessions, and demonic activity. However, their methods and the veracity of their claims have been widely questioned by skeptics and paranormal researchers. The Warrens have been accused of sensationalizing their cases, using questionable investigative techniques, and even fabricating evidence to support their beliefs.
Despite these controversies, the Warrens have maintained a devoted following, particularly among those who believe in the existence of the supernatural. The Conjuring franchise has capitalized on this fascination, presenting the Warrens as heroic figures who fearlessly confront the forces of darkness. However, by glossing over the real-life debates surrounding the Warrens, the film risks perpetuating a one-dimensional portrayal of these complex and controversial figures.
The Lasting Impact of The Conjuring Franchise
Regardless of the film’s shortcomings, The lasting impact of the Conjuring franchise, which has “opened the door of the genre for many people who started to follow, started to get interested in haunted stories.” The series has undoubtedly played a significant role in reviving and popularizing the haunted house subgenre of horror, captivating audiences with its blend of supernatural thrills and the Warrens’ personal narratives.
As the franchise reaches its conclusion, it’s worth reflecting on the broader cultural significance of the Conjuring films. They have not only entertained audiences but also tapped into a deep-seated human fascination with the paranormal and the unknown. The Warrens’ investigations have become a touchstone for discussions about the nature of belief, the boundaries of science, and the enduring power of the supernatural in our collective imagination.
A Bittersweet Farewell
In the end, my review of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” paints a bittersweet picture of the franchise’s conclusion. While the film may not live up to the high standards set by its predecessors, it serves as a symbolic farewell to the Warrens, cementing their place in cinematic history as iconic figures in the horror genre. As fans bid adieu to the Warrens, they are left to ponder the lasting impact of the Conjuring franchise and the complex legacy of the real-life paranormal investigators who inspired it.
About the Author
