As one of the most successful and spine-chilling horror franchises in cinematic history, The Conjuring series has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for nearly a decade. From the introduction of the cursed Annabelle doll to the eerie happenings within the infamous Warren family’s occult museum, each installment has continued to delve into the supernatural and the terrifying cases investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren. Now, The Conjuring 4: Last Rites (2025) promises to bring the chilling saga to a close—or perhaps, if you're a fan of horror sequels, open the door to even darker possibilities.
The Conjuring 4: Last Rites picks up years after the previous film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), which centered around the infamous trial of Arne Johnson, the first case in U.S. history where demonic possession was used as a defense. In this latest chapter, Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) are dealing with the fallout from their past cases. As they grow older, the weight of the supernatural forces they've battled over the years begins to take its toll on their personal lives and their relationship.
The film opens with a sense of finality—Ed and Lorraine are nearing the end of their paranormal investigation careers. However, their peaceful retirement is disrupted when they are contacted by an old friend, Father Perez (played by Tony Amendola), who seeks their help with a troubling new case: the disturbing rise of an ancient, malevolent entity, one that has been lying dormant for centuries but is now stirring from the shadows, threatening to wreak havoc on the modern world.
This new entity, known as Azazel, is an ancient demon whose dark influence spans generations. Unlike the demons they have faced before, Azazel's power is more insidious, working from the inside out to twist and corrupt those it possesses. It manipulates the very fabric of time, making its victims see things that aren’t real, experience past tragedies, and question their own sanity.
The Warrens are pulled into a final confrontation with Azazel, but this case is unlike any other they’ve handled. Not only must they uncover the origins of this entity, but they also must confront their own demons—both literal and figurative. As Ed and Lorraine struggle to piece together the puzzle of Azazel’s haunting legacy, they come to a horrifying realization: Azazel's endgame isn’t just possession—it’s the destruction of the Warren family itself. This entity has been haunting them from the very beginning, leaving them with a terrifying prophecy: the Warrens' own bloodline is destined to be the final sacrifice to awaken Azazel's full power.
The film is structured as a race against time, with Ed and Lorraine desperately trying to uncover the ancient rituals and religious rites that could potentially stop Azazel before it is too late. Along the way, they are joined by a new generation of paranormal investigators—Margaret (Florence Pugh) and Andrew (John Boyega)—who assist them in their search for answers. But as the forces of darkness close in, the Warrens must decide whether to confront Azazel head-on or retreat to protect their loved ones.
Directed by Michael Chaves (who also directed The Curse of La Llorona and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), The Conjuring 4: Last Rites will balance the terrifying, atmospheric horror the series is known for with a more intimate and emotional storytelling approach. Expect the eerie ambiance of the earlier films—creaky doors, unsettling shadows, and the quiet dread of knowing that something malevolent is lurking just out of sight.
The visual effects will be used sparingly, focusing on creating a tangible sense of fear through practical effects, jump scares, and haunting imagery. The climax in the ancient church will be both visually stunning and incredibly tense, as Ed and Lorraine are pushed to their physical and spiritual limits in a battle against Azazel.
The Conjuring 4: Last Rites marks the likely final chapter in the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, but it promises to be an unforgettable ride for horror fans. With its blend of supernatural horror, psychological terror, and emotional depth, the film will tie up long-running storylines while introducing a new and terrifying threat. Whether or not the Warrens survive this final confrontation, one thing is certain: The Conjuring universe will leave a legacy of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
