More than a decade ago now, back in 2013, James Wan permanently changed the mainstream horror scene with his release of the blockbuster boo’er The Conjuring. Not only was the film an incredible success by all conceivable metrics, but it soon thereafter spawned a cinematic universe that is still running to this day.
Wan himself, despite sticking around to produce a number of the subsequent films under the Conjuring umbrella, only directed the first film’s direct sequel before bowing out to tackle projects outside the universe, and work on expanding his still-growing production company, Atomic Monster.
And while the universe itself has seen some critical ups and downs since Wan’s directorial departure, its ongoing success is impossible to deny. It’s done so well, in fact, that the fourth (apparently final) Conjuring movie was a surprise to no one upon announcement. Despite Wan’s absence from the director’s chair, the third film in the mainline series, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, played well for audiences, somewhat satisfied critics, and gave fans enough hope in a fourth film to spur what was basically an immediate commencement of development.
Director Michael Chaves, who, given this fourth film, will have directed a whopping four movies in the franchise, returns at the helm for the fourth and final Conjuring event, subtitled Last Rites. After a slow ramp-up of rumors and mild winks and nudges online, the first teaser has finally been released, kicking off the marketing for what seems to be Warner Bros.’ final entry into one of their most consistent mainline movie series of the last few decades.
Immediately, the stakes in this teaser trailer appear much higher than normal. Flashing scenes of a screaming Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) fill the gaps between multiple new supernatural scares, assuming the presence of unique threats. Multiple villainous figures make headway throughout the trailer; some unfamiliar and some, like good ol’ Annabelle, terribly recognizable.
Last Rites will document the infamous “Smurl” case, based on a true story (aren’t they all) and taking place five years after the third film, in 1986. The story is being sold as one of the Warrens’ worst ever experiences in the field of demonology, as well as their last endeavor into the sort. Patrick Wilson himself hyped up the fourth film, dubbing it potentially the “scariest one yet.”
While little is known about the plot of the film at this point, besides what can be gleaned from the actual real-life case that it’s based on, the danger factor for our two main characters has clearly been upped. Especially for Lorraine, it seems, who has spent much of the last three movies either luckily bypassing the brunt of some threats or saving her husband, Ed (Patrick Wilson, from others.
Having hit nearly three million views in the first eight hours on YouTube, the teaser has already gained some serious traction with the horror community, boasting an additional tens of thousands of likes and more millions of views across multiple popular social media platforms.
Just under three months away, the marketing has only begun for a movie that is closer than many may have expected. Fans will only have to wait until September 5 for the terrifying conclusion to their favorite horror movie series, and one of the most influential ever, to boot.
Catch The Conjuring: Last Rites at the movies, and stick around with us for any news on the film in the meantime. Oh, and maybe leave a nightlight on. Just in case.
Movies, long drives, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
