Horror films that attempt to evoke nostalgia can be perplexing for fans like me. On one side, you’re seeking that adrenaline rush from your amygdala, the part of your brain responsible for your fight-or-flight instinct. Meanwhile, you’re also captivated by nostalgia. When this comes in the form of a movie like The Conjuring: Last Rites, now showing in UAE cinemas, it can feel somewhat awkward.
For instance, you might think, ‘Oh, it’s the possessed lady from earlier films. She’s aged,’ leading to questions about the timeline and distracting you from the main storyline, which is meant to conclude the series.
This is indeed the case that changes everything, not due to a dramatic ghost encounter, but because the franchise is transitioning to a new generation. With the daughter married and the Warrens retiring, the series continues under a new name, marked by a sentimental farewell and slow dances.
The question remains: Where is Valak?! Surprisingly, I find myself missing that sinister nun. In Nun II, the demon that tormented the Warrens seems defeated, but the timelines don’t align. Nun II is set in 1956, while the first Conjuring occurs in 1971, leaving Valak’s fate ambiguous.
Are we to conclude that Valak is gone, and the only full-circle moment is Judy finding acceptance, mirroring her parents’ relationship? Meanwhile, victims of Valak appear to be moving on with life events like barbecues and weddings.
Perhaps the confusion lies with either the demon or the filmmakers. Nostalgia can be delightful, but in The Conjuring universe, it’s a bit unsettling.
