Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you're a die-hard Conjuring fan who's seen all six previous films and needs closure on Ed and Lorraine's story, you're going to watch this regardless of what I say. Go for it.

But let's be real: a 2.8/5 on Letterboxd is rough. That's horror fans—the target audience—saying 'meh.' The 58% critic score and 54 Metacritic tell the same story: this franchise is tired. The seventh film in any series is usually scraping the bottom of the creative barrel, and the reviews suggest Last Rites is no exception.

For parents wondering if their teen can watch it: only if they're 16+ and genuinely into horror. This isn't Marvel scary—it's demonic possession, creepy imagery designed to give you nightmares, and jump scares that'll have you spilling popcorn. Common Sense Media's 16+ recommendation is spot-on.

The WISE score is low because while it's technically competent horror, it's not particularly wholesome (obviously), not very imaginative (franchise fatigue), definitely not safe for most audiences, and offers minimal enrichment beyond 'demons are scary.' It's a C+ horror sequel that'll satisfy some fans and bore others. There are better ways to spend two hours unless you're already invested in this universe.

Age Fit

This is squarely adult horror content, appropriate for ages 16+ who can handle intense supernatural scares and disturbing imagery. Even then, it's really best for older teens and adults who actively enjoy horror films. Not remotely suitable for children or tweens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

Horror franchise built on jump scares, demonic possession, and supernatural terror. While it avoids gratuitous gore, the emotional tone is designed to frighten and disturb rather than uplift. Models persistence and love (the Warrens' marriage), but the core content is about confronting malevolent entities—not exactly emotionally healthy viewing for most ages.

Imaginative

55

The Conjuring universe does world-build an interesting mythology around paranormal investigation and demonology. However, as the seventh film in the franchise, 'Last Rites' is likely retreading familiar territory—possessed people, haunted objects, exorcism rituals. Mixed reviews (58% RT critics, 54 Metacritic) suggest it's not breaking new ground. The 2.8/5 Letterboxd rating indicates even horror fans found it formulaic.

Safe

20

This is a horror movie with a CSM age recommendation of 16+. Expect intense supernatural scares, demonic imagery, possession sequences, potential violence, and disturbing themes. The franchise is known for nightmare fuel—creepy dolls, jump scares, exorcisms. Absolutely not safe for younger viewers and will likely cause sleep disruption even for teens. No MPAA rating provided yet, but previous entries were R-rated.

Enriching

35

Limited enrichment value. You could have discussions about faith, the nature of evil, or the Warren's real-life cases (though heavily dramatized). The mystery/thriller elements require some critical thinking. However, the mixed critical reception and low Letterboxd score suggest it's not particularly thought-provoking or well-executed. It's entertainment for horror fans, but not offering much cognitive growth or meaningful insight beyond 'scary stuff happens.'

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

If you're a completist who's watched all six previous Conjuring universe films, you'll want to see how Ed and Lorraine's story ends
The 77% audience score suggests general horror fans are more forgiving than critics—it delivers the scares the franchise is known for
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have chemistry and bring warmth to characters who could otherwise be one-dimensional ghost hunters
For older teens interested in the paranormal, it could spark discussions about belief, skepticism, and how we process fear

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What to Watch For

This is NOT for kids or young teens—expect demonic possession, disturbing imagery, intense jump scares, and nightmare-inducing sequences
The 2.8/5 Letterboxd rating from horror enthusiasts is pretty damning—even genre fans found it disappointing
Seventh film in a franchise means lots of callbacks and references that won't land if you haven't seen the others
Mixed reviews suggest uneven pacing and a story that doesn't quite justify its existence beyond 'one more paycheck'

Conversation Starters

"The Warrens were real paranormal investigators—do you think any of their cases were actually supernatural, or were there other explanations?"
"Why do you think horror movies about demons and possession are so popular? What makes them scarier than other types of horror?"
"How did the movie use sound and music to build tension? Were there moments you saw the scare coming?"
"If you could investigate one supposedly haunted place, where would you go and what would you hope to find?"

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The Conjuring: Last Rites