The Conjuring 4 Trailer Hints at the Warrens’ Ultimate Horror

The latest teaser for The Conjuring: Last Rites (or The Conjuring 4 for simplicity) has just been released, harnessing the chilling essence that made the initial installment a horror favorite. However, there’s a daunting realization: this series might be reaching its limit.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, tackling what is claimed to be their final investigation—the notorious Smurl haunting, which afflicted a Pennsylvania family in the 1980s. The trailer offers tantalizing glimpses: haunting whispers, banging doors, and that classic Conjuring tension. But a closer look reveals some flaws.

Franchise Fatigue: The Warrens’ Biggest Rival

Since its debut in 2013, the The Conjuring franchise has expanded to include nine films, with both hits (Annabelle: Creation) and misses (The Nun 2). This new trailer heavily relies on nostalgia—showing Ed’s classic attire and Lorraine’s concerned looks—but lacks fresh scares. Under director Michael Chaves (The Devil Made Me Do It), the film is visually appealing, yet the storytelling feels repetitive.

In comparison, Insidious: The Red Door (2023) also claimed to be a final installment but ultimately failed to impress. Horror series often promise grand finales, but when box office numbers soar, sequels quickly follow. “Last Case. Last Rites.” Sounds familiar, Warner Bros. We know there might be more to come.

The True Fear? Hollywood’s Obsession with Sequels

The most haunting image in the trailer may not be a ghost, but rather the Warner Bros logo. The studio seems to be desperately holding onto this series, even approving spin-offs like The Crooked Man before Last Rites has hit theaters. In contrast, independent films like Talk to Me are proving that originality can still captivate audiences.

However, the chemistry between Farmiga and Wilson remains strong, with the Smurl haunting presenting a unique opportunity for cinematic exploration. If Last Rites dives into the family’s emotional and psychological struggles (think a mix of The Shining and The Exorcist), it might just succeed.

Exercise Caution

This trailer presents a hauntingly atmospheric sneak peek, but is it truly the Warrens’ farewell or simply another studio gimmick? Save the date for September 5th, but temper your hopes with a dash of skepticism.

Imagery Idea: *Side-by-side of the Smurl house (from a 1980s news report) contrasted with the film’s depiction of the haunting.*

Are you planning to see The Conjuring 4, or do you think this franchise has run its course?