Introduction
The much awaited last instalment of the Conjuring Universe is finally here and this time, it's a send off to the demonologists: Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on the real life Smurl family haunting case between 1974 and 1989, this film stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as as the leading pair, with Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Rebecca Calder, and Elliot Cowan playing significant roles as well. Amidst the excitement, there was also skepticism about director Michael Chaves, who, despite three films in this universe, has yet to deliver a truly good one—and I wasn’t too pleased with the makers’ decision to bring him back either. Neither his inconsistent direction nor the heavy reliance on over-the-top horror has ever aligned with the Conjuring grammar. But it seems Chaves has finally managed to get it right this time—six years after his directorial debut!
Basic Plot
Demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren try to solve one last case in Pennsylvania, before their retirement in 1986.
Positives
Performances and Technicalities
Cast performances have always been among the strongest points in this universe and this film's no different. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have given it their all, looking as fresh as they did in the first film twelve years ago! Apart from being highly convincing, they've been able to make a space for themselves in this universe and that's significantly evident here. The fact that you not only relate with those characters and their journey, but also bid them an emotional farewell towards the end of the film, tells a lot about how much these actors mean to this franchise. Both these actors pack solid punches with their act, which elevate even the most simple and out-of-narrative scenes. The way Farmiga expresses certain emotions during a couple of somber toned conversational scenes is absolutely fantastic to watch. Even towards the end, you would be surprised to see how well the leading pair portray the 'against-all-odds' scenes with sheer acting. Terrific! The other cast members have done commendably well too and the acting, thus, is surely one of the major plus-points here.
Michael Chaves's films have always prioritized visual aesthetics and that style of filmmaking is carried forward here as well. Some good camera work, wide angles, fine editing, and rich visuals, almost seal the whole deal. It's just that this film felt tad dark and somewhat underexposed in terms of coloring and lighting, which wasn't really needed. The film benefits from minimal use of CGI, which lets the film generate organic scares at several instances, and that's a positive for sure. Some of the scenes that involve gore visuals and bloodshed are nicely shot, giving off the intended disgusting vibe. Although it isn’t as atmospherically scary as the first two films in the franchise, the combined technical aspects make up for it, making this a good watch.
Direction and Horror
I really did not think I would get to witness a 'good' Michael Chaves horror flick, but I guess I was wrong. While Last Rites is surely not at par with the fist two instalments in the franchise—it's a significant step up from The Devil Made Me Do It. You can easily tell that the approach wasn't to create an atmospheric horror flick, and while the theme is the same over-the-top one like it's immediate predecessor, things have been better executed here. The setting up of the horror scenes have been nice, which manage to create a brief tone before the actual jump-scare strikes. This is the same format that director Chaves used in all his previous directorial ventures—it's just that unlike those films, Chaves has somehow managed to keep his direction consistent here, which works in favor of the film. Let's just be honest, the La Llorona film almost had a double climax, Nun 2 felt like a thriller towards the end, and the third Conjuring almost turned into an action film by the time the climax arrived—thankfully, Last Rites decently manages to make the jump-scares being felt, even towards the end, which saved this film from sharing it's fate with the aforementioned Michael Chaves ventures. The decision to get back to the roots by setting the film in a house for that classic ‘haunted house’ feel proves to be a plus, elevating an eerie vibe that would otherwise feel almost insignificant. There has been a nice detailing that I would like to mention here—most of Michael Chaves films feel less scary because the jump-scares come at point exactly where you'd expect them to. Criticism significantly flows in when you realize that fact that Chaves has been passed on the director's baton from James Wan, who pampered the audiences with classic horror and unexpected jump-scares in the first two Conjuring films. The makers found a very simple yet efficient solution to this by cutting a deceptive trailer; some of the horror scenes that are teased in the trailer do not unfold that way in the film. So when you are expecting a scare by connecting the unfolding scene with the trailer and bracing for impact, things take a turn and present themselves differently on the big screen. These little nuances really made those scenes impactful.
Underwhelming Aspects
Narrative Choices and Underutilized Villains
I personally felt some of the storytelling approach to be off, as things which should've been given more emphasis, have been diminished to sub-plots. The utmost casual set up of the entire concept of 'Lorraine can see things' makes it clear that the makers have taken the viewers for granted. The makers were probably like: the viewers have seen how 'Lorraine vision' works three times now, so let's diminish this concept not just to a sub-plot, but to a one-minute scene instead.' This was some crazy level demotion I must say. Next up, is the personal thing. The director has taken his own sweet time to establish the private life of the Warrens' and that is fine I believe, as that justifies the concept of the Conjuring being a horror franchise that goes beyond the supernatural. Several of the family drama and occasional humor (surprisingly well) scenes really give this film a dynamic edge which serves as perks for the audience, and I would've made my peace with it, had the same prioritization been given to the core plot as well. The theme of the Warrens' coming out of retirement to solve one last case which they are initially hesitant to join, is something that required some more time to properly flesh out. As a result, the actual 'case investigation' comes at a much later stage in the film, only to progress rapidly and end. The idea of Warren's feeling eerie.. Smurl's getting haunted.. both parties coming together to realize that the events are connected.. is not very well developed, and hence, is spite of the film feeling steady in the opening half, the latter half feels quicker than one would've liked.
The villains according to me were criminally underutilized. There are three spirits in the film, among whom, one is absolutely lackluster, one shines in the jump-scares, and the last one with the sledgehammer (probably the best among the lot) is used only in a couple of scenes. Their backstory lacks depth, and what's most frustrating, is the fact that in spite of labelling this case as a very personal one to the Warrens', the makers did not even bother to establish the reason behind these spirits going personal with the Warrens'. The entire 'demon vanquishing' thing was a hit-and-a-miss this time, with no clarity as to what exactly made those spirits lose the low key 'wrestling' that they were doing with the Warrens' in the climax! (I know this sounds ridiculous but you would know it once you watch the film) The stakes were kind of high which saved the sequence, otherwise, the safety of the Smurl's already went for a toss in the final act. All these things significantly lowers down the justification of the horror factor, and thus, the plot is compromised. I know that the villains are not forgetful like the third Conjuring film, but the severe underuse and neglect of potential badass villains, really do undermine the intended psychological effect.
Conclusion
If not everything, The Conjuring: Last Rites proves to be a good send-off and a final film in this long running horror franchise. Certainly there are flaws in the film which include less of an atmospheric leverage, hurried latter half, an inferior climax, improper usage of villains and some average directorial calls; what the film does, is make the viewers remember what this franchise is all about. The drama, story, family, sound design, cast performances, and the emotional depth is what this film relies on to sail through, and if this doesn't feel enough, you have Michael Chaves' surprisingly consistent direction to top it all. The final scene of the film brings back several of the characters from the previous films that make you nostalgic about this film series, and I must say that the goal of prioritizing family over horror is decently achieved, and come on, let's admit that the film was intended to be that way. The film promises a good time at the theatres with materials present both for fans and general audience to enjoy, so that's a plus. Would've been better if horror was given more space.. would've better if James Wan directed this film, but, you know what? It is what it is, and it's not bad; that pretty much sums up the film I guess. 'The Devil has come to Pennsylvania' says the reporters in the film while describing the Smurl's, and you know what's the good part? You don't have to travel to Pennsylvania to witness the devil; visit a theatre instead!
Watch Out For
- Background score and sound design
- Scares
- Cast Performances
- A 'James Wan' cameo in the end
WTF Rating
7/10