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The Conjuring: Last Rites is presented as a farewell to the Conjuring film series, despite the fact that we all are aware Hollywood will discover methods to keep this profitable franchise going.

As the credits played, I wasn’t angry, nor was I excited, just somewhat content. The film provides what most franchise movies typically offer: well-known themes, conventional scenarios, and refined yet expected jump scares. However, what caught attention was the amount of time the movie dedicates to its characters.

This time, Judy Warren is the main focus. She is not merely a victim awaiting rescue. She is more developed, now in a relationship, with a boyfriend named Tony (Ben Hardy), who is eager for Ed and Lorraine’s approval.

To demonstrate how far this film goes to establish itself as a character-driven story, there is a brief scene in which Tony and Ed play ping-pong in the garage that lasts longer than anticipated. Although it initially seems insignificant, it ultimately anchors the narrative in something genuine.

The film is driven by the performances. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga do not go through the motions in these roles, even though they could and have every reason to, given their long history with these characters. They infuse Ed and Lorraine with a sense of warmth and exhaustion, portraying them as older individuals uncertain about what lies ahead.

The movie, which runs for more than two hours, attempts to balance several elements: horror, a new ghostly presence, and a conclusion that offers resolution. It generally succeeds. The family scenes add depth to the scares, making them more impactful than they would be otherwise.

The Smurl case, haunted mirror, family at the edge, is intriguing, yet the film relies on the same traditional horror techniques. The demon defies logic, at times strong, at other times conveniently weak. This unpredictability is annoying, particularly for a highly predictable series.

The conclusion is dignified rather than showy. The Warrens’ storyline is resolved in a manner that seems well-deserved. The demon’s defeat is somewhat overly tidy for my preference, yet the family’s struggle for each other keeps it authentic.

If you’re a fan of The Conjuring, you’ll still discover some entertainment here. It’s superior to many later sequels in the series and emphasizes character development more. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).