The Conjuring: Last Rites Dramatizes 1973 Smurl Family Haunting in Pennsylvania

The Conjuring: Last Rites, the final film in the Conjuring franchise, is based on the real-life Smurl family haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where the family experienced years of violent paranormal activity starting in the 1970s. The Smurls reported disturbing events including unexplained odors, physical attacks on family members and their dog, and sightings of shadowy figures, leading to an investigation by paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1986, who identified multiple demons in the home. While the movie dramatizes and condenses the timeline, introducing fictional elements like a cursed mirror demon, the core story reflects one of the Warrens' most intense cases. The film also connects to the broader Conjuring universe by featuring the Annabelle doll, hinting at potential future stories involving the haunted toy. Although The Conjuring: Last Rites has concluded the franchise's first chapter, spin-offs such as The Crooked Man remain uncertain, with no new projects currently confirmed. Fans can also purchase themed merchandise like the Annabelle popcorn bucket at select theaters, enhancing the moviegoing experience.