TEHRAN- American filmmaker Michael Chaves’ movie “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is currently showing in theaters across Tehran. 

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a 2025 supernatural horror film, featuring a screenplay by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. As the ninth installment in the acclaimed “Conjuring” series, the film draws inspiration from the real-life Smurl haunting case. The narrative follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, alongside new cast members Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy.

Released in the United States in September, 2025, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” garnered mixed reviews from critics but achieved remarkable box office success, grossing $494.7 million. This made it the highest-grossing film in the series to date. Following its success, a prequel titled “The Conjuring: The First Communion” is scheduled for release in 2027.

The plot opens in 1964, where Ed and Lorraine Warren are investigating a haunting tied to an antique mirror at a curio shop. During their investigation, Lorraine experiences a vision that triggers her labor, resulting in the stillbirth of their child. Miraculously, through prayer, Lorraine revives her baby girl, whom they name Judy.

Fast forward twenty-two years to West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where the Smurl family has just moved into their new home. The family consists of Jack and Janet Smurl, Jack's parents Mary and John, their four daughters—Dawn, Heather, and twins Carin and Shannon—and their dog, Simon. For Heather's confirmation ceremony, John gifts her the very antique mirror that had haunted the Warrens. Shortly after, strange occurrences begin when a kitchen ceiling light crashes down during dinner.

Despite their previous experiences, Ed and Lorraine have retired from active investigations due to Ed's deteriorating heart condition. They now focus on giving lectures, although attendance has dwindled. During one of these lectures, Judy experiences a psychic episode, prompting Lorraine to remind her of a childhood rhyme that helps calm her fears about the supernatural.

As the Smurl family faces escalating terror from three malevolent entities—a sinister elderly woman, a younger woman, and a man with an axe—they seek help from the press. This attracts Father Gordon’s attention. Meanwhile, Judy's friend Tony proposes to her at Ed's birthday party, which she happily accepts. However, Father Gordon’s attempt to intervene leads to tragedy when he is attacked by the demon and ultimately takes his own life.

At Father Gordon’s funeral, Judy receives a vision revealing his connection to the Smurl haunting. Determined to help her friends, she travels to Pennsylvania despite Lorraine’s foreboding vision warning her of potential danger. The Warrens join Judy and Tony at the Smurl home, where they uncover that the spirits tormenting the family are linked to a tragic past involving a husband who murdered his wife.

As tensions escalate, Judy is lured into an attic trap set by the demon. In a desperate struggle to save her, Ed and Lorraine discover that the antique mirror is a conduit for the demon’s power. Their plan to contain the mirror backfires when Judy becomes possessed during its removal. In a climactic showdown involving prayer and psychic strength, Lorraine guides Judy to embrace her abilities.

Ultimately, with Judy’s help and through the recitation of the Prayer to Saint Michael, Ed and Lorraine succeed in destroying the mirror. The Smurl family is left in peace for three years without further hauntings. The remnants of the cursed mirror are safely contained, marking another chapter in the Warrens’ storied legacy of battling supernatural forces.

SAB/