The first look trailer for “The Conjuring 4: Last Rites,” from Warner Bros., is a chilling and atmospheric glimpse into the latest installment of the beloved horror franchise. The trailer opens with a dark, stormy night, lightning illuminating an old, isolated church in the middle of a desolate countryside. The familiar eerie score by Joseph Bishara sets an unsettling tone from the start.
The scene transitions inside the church, where flickering candles cast long shadows on the ancient stone walls. Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) stand in the dim light, their faces etched with concern and determination. Lorraine’s voiceover, calm yet filled with a sense of foreboding, begins: “We thought we had seen the worst. We were wrong.”
Quick flashes reveal the Warrens facing their most terrifying case yet. The camera cuts to a distressed family seeking the Warrens’ help. They are plagued by a malevolent entity that seems to have a sinister connection to the church. The family’s home is filled with disturbing signs of supernatural activity: objects moving on their own, ominous whispers in the night, and ghostly apparitions that vanish as quickly as they appear.
The trailer introduces a new priest, Father Michael (a new addition to the cast played by a well-known actor), who assists the Warrens in their investigation. His knowledge of ancient rituals and the dark history of the church proves crucial. “This place holds secrets,” he says, his voice grave. “Secrets that were never meant to be uncovered.”
The tension escalates with a montage of terrifying scenes: Lorraine experiencing violent visions of past horrors, Ed confronting the entity in the shadowy halls of the church, and Father Michael performing an intense exorcism. The special effects are masterfully done, heightening the sense of dread and supernatural terror.
A key element of the trailer is the revelation of the entity’s origin. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers are taken back to the church’s dark past, uncovering a tale of forbidden rituals and a vengeful spirit that has waited centuries to wreak havoc. The spirit, depicted with hauntingly realistic makeup and visual effects, is one of the most terrifying entities the Warrens have ever faced.
Interspersed with the horror are moments of emotional depth, showcasing the bond between Ed and Lorraine. Their unwavering commitment to each other and their mission to help the afflicted is highlighted, adding a layer of humanity to the supernatural narrative. “We’ve faced evil before,” Ed reassures Lorraine, his voice steady. “We’ll face it again.”
The climax of the trailer is a heart-pounding sequence set within the church. The Warrens, Father Michael, and the haunted family confront the entity in a final, desperate battle. The intensity of the exorcism, combined with the church’s collapsing structure and the spirit’s relentless attacks, creates a sense of impending doom.
The screen fades to black, and the title “The Conjuring 4: Last Rites” appears in bold, gothic lettering, followed by the release date: “Coming 2025.”
The trailer ends with a final, chilling shot of Lorraine standing alone in the church, her face illuminated by a single candle. She whispers, “Some doors should never be opened,” as the candle flickers out, plunging the screen into darkness.
This first look trailer sets the stage for a film that promises to deliver the spine-tingling horror and emotional depth that fans of “The Conjuring” series have come to love, while introducing new elements and characters to keep the story fresh and terrifying.
