The Conjuring: Last Rites
- Gus Keller
- 9 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Conjuring: Last Rites clumsily stumbles between hollow scares and sanctimonious sentimentality. The plot is a repetitive series of set pieces that stall until the climax. Its drama introduces substance but is underdeveloped, making it insincere as well as corny. Any halfhearted suggestions of themes (like family or faith) are reductive platitudes. There's explanatory dialogue, contrivances, excessive characters, fan service, and tired formulas. While its acting contributes charming layers when possible, those sparse moments struggle to overcome the otherwise exhausting, one-note intensity. Consequently, Last Rites is more a drawn-out carnival ride than a story.
Technically, Last Rites is generic. Telegraphing scares while forcing emotions, its direction blunders tones. Surreal lighting as well as oners are weakened by dark and drab cinematography. Clunky, its editing combines erratic pacing with aimless structure into a momentum-free slog. Subjective distortions plus genre elements heighten the soundscape, yet the immoderate stings are desensitizing. Its music is mostly cliche scoring. Likewise, the production design amasses try-hard spooky tropes. Its cast surrounds adequate returners with nobody of note. Though abundant, the digital effects undercut visceral tangibility. Overall, Last Rites doesn't do much to justify itself.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 2/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 5/10
Editing: 3/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 4/10
Production Design: 4/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 4.6/10
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