Summary
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) closes the legendary horror saga of Ed and Lorraine Warren, blending real-life hauntings with chilling drama. Meanwhile, Twinless delivers an original dark comedy about grief and friendship, starring Dylan O’Brien in a standout dual role. Together, these films showcase 2025’s cinematic diversity, from supernatural terror to heartfelt human connection.
The fall movie season of 2025 has brought with it two very different yet equally fascinating films: The Conjuring: Last Rites and Twinless. One marks the chilling conclusion of a legendary horror franchise, while the other delivers a darkly comedic yet heartfelt exploration of grief and identity. Both films are sparking conversations across audiences and critics alike, making them standout releases of the year.
In this article, we’ll explore the storylines, themes, performances, audience reactions, and cultural significance of these films, while also addressing why they are resonating so strongly with moviegoers.
The Conjuring: Last Rites – The Final Chapter in a Groundbreaking Horror Universe
A Franchise That Redefined Horror
Since the release of the first Conjuring in 2013, the franchise has grown into one of the most successful horror universes ever, spawning sequels and spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun. With The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), the saga of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren comes to a close.
Storyline and Themes
Set in the 1980s, Last Rites dramatizes the infamous Smurl haunting, where a Pennsylvania family claimed they were tormented by violent demonic forces. The Warrens, played once again by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, arrive to help uncover the truth.
The movie blends traditional supernatural scares with deeper themes of faith, trauma, and resilience. Rather than relying solely on horror tropes, it presents the Warrens as older, seasoned investigators facing the emotional toll of their lifelong battle against evil.
Audience and Critical Reception
Early reviews have been mixed to positive. Fans praised the nostalgia and emotional weight, while some critics felt it leaned too heavily on familiar horror formulas. Still, box office numbers tell a different story: with an estimated $81 million worldwide on a $55 million budget, the film proves that the Conjuring universe remains a reliable draw for audiences.
Exploring the Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Conjuring: Last Rites
Unlike many fictional horror films, Last Rites is rooted in a real-life haunting. The Smurl family claimed their home was plagued by paranormal attacks, with terrifying accounts ranging from strange noises to violent assaults.
Director Michael Chaves emphasized that the production consulted with surviving family members to treat their trauma with sensitivity. This real-world connection heightens the horror, reminding viewers that the supernatural tales we see onscreen often have deep human stories at their core.
Twinless – A Dark Comedy With Heart
A Unique Premise
While The Conjuring: Last Rites looks back on a legacy of horror, Twinless enters theaters as a fresh, original story. The film follows two men grieving the loss of their identical twins who form an unlikely friendship.
Starring Dylan O’Brien in a dual role as Roman and Rocky, and James Sweeney as Dennis, the film balances dark humor with emotional vulnerability. It is less about ghosts and demons, and more about the inner battles of grief, loneliness, and the search for meaning.
Performances That Shine
Dylan O’Brien delivers one of the most impressive performances of his career, portraying two very different personalities with nuance. James Sweeney, who also co-directed, brings authenticity to the role, drawing from personal experiences with loss and identity.
The chemistry between the leads allows the film to transition seamlessly between humor and poignancy, offering audiences laughter one moment and tears the next.
Why These Two Films Matter in 2025
Though vastly different in tone and genre, The Conjuring: Last Rites and Twinless share a common thread: they explore how humans confront the unknown and process trauma.
- The Conjuring: Last Rites addresses spiritual evil and faith-based resilience, focusing on the external fight against demonic forces.
- Twinless reflects on internal struggles of grief and self-discovery, offering a more human-centered approach.
Together, these films represent the dual power of cinema—to scare us, to heal us, and to make us reflect on the complexity of life.
Audience Reactions on Social Media
- Fans of The Conjuring expressed bittersweet feelings, celebrating the return of the Warrens while lamenting the end of an era.
- Viewers of Twinless praised its originality, calling it “the kind of heartfelt dark comedy we don’t get often enough.”
- Comparisons between the two films highlight how 2025 is giving audiences a rich variety of stories that tackle trauma in both supernatural and comedic ways.
Box Office and Industry Impact
- The Conjuring: Last Rites has already cemented itself as a financial success, ensuring the franchise ends on a profitable note.
- Twinless, while a smaller release, is earning strong word-of-mouth buzz and critical acclaim, positioning it as a potential awards contender for its writing and performances.
These outcomes showcase Hollywood’s continued appetite for both blockbuster horror and emotionally intelligent indie dramas.
The Future of Horror and Dark Comedy
The juxtaposition of these two films points to a promising future in cinema:
- Horror franchises like The Conjuring will continue evolving, even if spin-offs replace mainline entries.
- Dark comedies like Twinless are carving out a space for themselves in mainstream cinema, proving audiences crave stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Conclusion
With The Conjuring: Last Rites, audiences bid farewell to one of horror’s most iconic franchises, while Twinless emerges as an indie gem redefining grief through laughter and humanity. Both films, though vastly different, capture the spirit of 2025 cinema—bold, emotional, and unafraid to confront life’s darkest challenges.
For moviegoers, these films offer more than just entertainment; they invite reflection on the past, the unknown, and the deeply personal experiences that shape who we are.
Also Read : JackBoys 2: Travis Scott’s Masterstroke and the Subtle Pusha T Response Explained
FAQs
1. Is The Conjuring: Last Rites the final movie in the series?
Yes, it is marketed as the ninth and final installment in the Conjuring franchise.
2. Is The Conjuring: Last Rites based on a true story?
Yes, it’s inspired by the Smurl family haunting of the 1980s.
3. How much money has The Conjuring: Last Rites made so far?
It has grossed over $81 million worldwide on a $55 million budget.
4. What is Twinless about?
It’s a dark comedy about two men grieving the loss of their identical twins who build an unexpected friendship.
5. Why is Dylan O’Brien’s performance in Twinless being praised?
He plays two distinct characters—twins—with emotional depth and versatility, making it one of his best roles.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment
Discover more from Cine Storytellers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
