By John Ostapowicz / The Jambar
Since 2013, “The Conjuring” franchise has cemented itself as a staple in the horror movie genre.
Warner Bros. final entry into the saga is a fitting completion to the over 10-year film journey of real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites,” directed by Michael Chaves, was released Sept. 4 and opened its debut weekend at the box office with over $190 million.
The movie itself grossed a total of $484.8 million worldwide, which made it the highest grossing horror movie of the year. It went up against movies such as “Sinners” at $366.7 million and “Final Destination Bloodlines” with $313 million.
The fourth and final installment in “The Conjuring” franchise also broke records at the box office. Its solid opening marked the largest opening weekend for a horror film. The spot was previously held by the 2017 movie “It,” which opened at $123 million and the 2019 sequel “It: Chapter Two” at $91 million.
Besides a record setting release, “Last Rites” put a bow on the paranormal investigations of the Warrens. The movie starts with the Warren’s first case in 1964, and eventually lands the two in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, in 1986.
The film loosely bases its plot on the haunting of the Jack and Janet Smurl family. Although the movie heavily dramatizes the original story, the Smurl’s reported signs of demonic presences with kitchen appliances catching fire, disappearing tools and foul odors. The family also claimed they were attacked by the spirits, which the movie depicts with Jack Smurl’s visible levitation and choking by a demonic entity.
The most impressive part of the movie is its theme. Although several horror films depict ghosts, poltergeists and spirits, many lack a point behind it. Everything that occurs in the movie is connected to the importance of family.
From daughter Judy Warren being haunted by a demonic entity from a mirror with ties to Vatican City, to the Smurl family still sticking with one another despite being tormented, the film conveys an emotional tie with a sinister twist.
The movie’s dated soundtrack and compelling visuals take the audience back to the ‘80s. The use of the song “She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult transitions from the Warrens’ ‘60s flashback to
the Smurl residence. Other tracks, such as “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie and “Comfort You” by Van Morrison, offered drastic mood changes that impacted the film’s tonality.
In an interview with ComicBook.com, Chaves confirmed that the Warrens are finished as protagonists in the film, but the universe will continue to expand.
With characters from the original “The Conjuring” movie getting origin movies such as ‘The Curse of La Llorona,” “The Nun” and “Annabelle,” the film’s universe, filled with demonic entities, will help the spinoffs continue.