Released in theaters on September 10, 2025, The Conjuring: The Hour of Judgment marks the fourth installment in the main series launched in 2013 by James Wan. Directed by Michael Chaves, who previously helmed Conjuring 3 and The Nun 2, the film sees Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick alongside Richard Naing, this new chapter draws inspiration from a real-life paranormal case that took place in the United States during the 1980s.
Set after 1981, the story follows the Warrens as they step back from their paranormal investigations, seeking a quieter, more peaceful life. However, a family haunted by violent and relentless supernatural phenomena compels them to return to action. The Smurl Haunting, which drew significant media attention at the time, anchors this investigation where faith, family bonds, and demonic threats are deeply intertwined.
As protests escalate within the household, Ed and Lorraine uncover that an ancient evil — once believed to be vanquished — is still at work. The threat no longer only targets the victims they’ve been trying to assist, but also their own family, especially their daughter Judy, now grown up. This deeply personal aspect heightens the emotional stakes of a story being billed as the most intimate chapter in the series.
The original title, The Conjuring: Last Rites, clearly hints at a final chapter. After wrapping up filming on November 22, 2024, Vera Farmiga announced on her social media channels that this would be her and Patrick Wilson’s last appearance together in the franchise. The movie signals the end of a story arc that has spanned over a decade, though it also leaves room for potential spin-offs or future expansions of the universe.
Michael Chaves maintains a consistent visual and thematic style, focusing on horror rooted in religion and ritual. Most scenes of possession and transformation were brought to life through practical effects, prosthetics, and physical contortions, enhancing both the sensory experience and the authenticity of the moments.
The film was primarily shot at Bovingdon Studios in the UK, as well as in Hertfordshire. The production design masterfully reimagines a Connecticut setting from the 1980s, a pivotal era in the story. Costumes by Graham Churchyard reflect the evolving fashion of the time while maintaining the franchise's signature muted palette. Cinematography by Eli Born focuses on integrated lighting within the sets, heightening the contrast of shadows and light during tense, suspenseful scenes.
The Conjuring: The Final Judgment appeals to fans of supernatural horror movies and loyal followers of the Conjuring universe. Its darker, more introspective tone continues in the vein of Conjuring 2, emphasizing themes of legacy and the weight of the past. With over $2.4 billion in worldwide box office, this franchise remains one of the most profitable in the horror genre.
The Conjuring: The Time of Judgment | Movie | 2025
Release in theaters: September 10, 2025
Available for purchase on VOD: January 8, 2026
Available for rental on VOD: January 21, 2026
Horror – Thriller | Duration: 2h15
Directed by Michael Chaves | Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy
Original title: The Conjuring: Last Rites
Country: United States
With this latest installment, the Conjuring saga wraps up the Warren chapter while strengthening a cinematic universe built around true paranormal stories, crafted with a confident aesthetic and an increasingly established mythos.
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