'The Conjuring: Last Rites' brings back the chills as Wilson and Farmiga dive into their final paranormal case

Fans of “The Conjuring” franchise were thrilled when “The Conjuring: Last Rites” was recently released on the screen. 

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the iconic paranormal investigators, in the fourth instalment of the popular supernatural film offering.

Also reprising their roles are Mia Tomlinson as Judy Warren (Ed and Lorraine's daughter) and Ben Hardy as Tony Spera (Judy's partner).

Approaching retirement, the paranormal investigators accept one final case: a Pennsylvania family tormented by a violent, demonic presence linked to a cursed mirror. This film is based on the real-life Smurl haunting.

As Ed's health deteriorates, the stakes escalate, and the Warrens' daughter, Judy, finds herself caught in the demonic activity.

During a recent press junket, the actors discussed their return as a couple in "The Conjuring" universe, which comprises nine films.

Farmiga shared, “In their dynamic duo, I love them (referring to Ed and Lorraine). I love their love. They are the ideal of what love and compassion can achieve. Like, it’s not often you step into a character and have like a spiritual impact that way.

“They represent everything pure and good within us. And I love that. That’s what I always looked forward to when we were given another amazing opportunity to come back to another film.”

Wilson added: “It’s funny when you start out as an actor and there’s this sort of knee-jerk reaction to, ‘Oh, the villains are more fun’. And, you know, you want to play people with a lot of problems, and that’s going to be the stuff that you’re going to chew on. 

“And then, and it’s the honest truth, there’s only one other character that I’ve played that was equally as, like, ‘God, I want to be that guy’.

“And they both have a steadfast moral code, like fighting for the good. Love triumphs over everything. And that’s my take on our relationship.”

On the franchise’s popularity, the “Bates Motel” actress added: “It’s just the thrill of it, right? It’s like creeping up on the edge of danger.”

The veteran actors also sang the praises of director Michael Chaves.

Farmiga said, “He’s just like a kid in a candy store; the innocence with which he tackles everything. He loves scaring people. He loves crafting scares. He loves the nuance of facial expressions. And God forbid you do something interesting.

"He just freaks out with joyfulness and life, and that’s infectious …”

“I mean, it’s very easy to get cynical in this business, but when you’re surrounded by people who are just enjoying what they do and the craftsmanship of filmmaking (and this is a guy who just loves his actors and loves, loves the entire process and the camaraderie of it), it’s a very joyful set.”

Wilson added, “I second and third all that. You want the filmmaker to be deeply connected to the story they are going to tell, because if they’re not, then you see it on screen. 

“He really took the reins and shepherded it from the get-go. This one was a departure for the series just in terms of structure. This was his way to really honour the first and the second film and really bookend and give the emotional resonance that the first two 'Conjuring' movies had.

“So all that geeky energy that Vera’s talking about, it’s really true. Matched with a skill set that he’s been able to hone in the past several years. 

“So we are getting him at the peak of his technical prowess.”

The franchise concludes with Ed and Lorraine Warren haunted by the first demon they ever encountered, bringing their story full circle.

∎ “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is showing at cinemas nationwide.