The Conjuring: Last Rites

Not the kind of film I would typically go to see at the cinema but consider myself fortunate to have seen this. Whether you are a horror afficionado or (like me) not, I would recommend taking the time out to go see this movie.

Like many movies I see, the publicity material does not really do justice to the film makers, particularly the many actors who really excel in this picture. I don't follow acting careers, so most were either unknown to me, or have so far gone unnoticed by me in other roles. If you would like to see the official trailer for the movie, I have linked it here. If you plan to see the film, or if I can convince you to do so, I would suggest that you do not watch the trailer.

DON'T WATCH THIS TRAILER if you plan to see the movie!

Why not watch the trailer? As I say, it doesn't do the movie any kind of justice, in my view. I have written before about how movie publicity often misrepresents a film, not unusually to the detriment. I guess marketing is all about building sales rather then showcasing works of art. Movies, works of art? Yes, absolutely! Why should painting be considered art and film, movie making and photography, not? Or, for that matter, the scene-setting music, voice and other sound effects that run with the visual footage?

More importantly, don't watch the trailer because it may take away from the joy of seeing the action and drama for the first time. Particularly important in a horror setting, I would have thought. I guess you have to have some references to the horror scenes but that multiple mirror sequence with the bride-to-be trying on her wedding dress, I found really scary. Why spoil the best bit by preparing the viewer for the shock to come?

Although there is some of the best acting to be seen in this movie, I think the show is stolen by Mia Tomlinson, who plays the bride and the daughter of the ghostbusting couple. You can hear her discuss the role, quite astutely, alongside her opposite number, Ben Hardy, in this brief vid.

Hardy's performance is solid but Tomlinson shines in her role because, making best use of script, direction and other magical aspects of the art of film making, she does not rely on cliché, archetype or role limitation. A pretty young woman character in a horror flick, flawed and vulnerable, would be simply a victim of a lesser script. They might just be sacrificed by the story line, or they might be rescued by the male lead, a damsel in distress relying on her Galahad. Not so in Last Rites. I will say no more for fear of spoiling. Suffice to say her performance was multi-facetted, working so well from every angle. She also helps, as do the rest of the cast, keep the audience guessing as to where the story is going and how it will end. Again, I am not going to give the game away.

Do you need to see the other episodes of the ongoing story to appreciate this film? No, absolutely not. I am not sure if I have seen part one of the series or not, given that I have been so sated with creepy-doll, haunted-house horrors, that it is hard for me to remember which is which. I certainly have not seen the following parts, but I did not feel I was missing out by lacking prior knowledge of the series.

This film is very much watchable as a standalone, despite its forerunners. Perhaps because of them. Only a fan of the series could say. One thing I do know, is that this film is worth watching whether you are a horror fan or not. I am a real wimp when it comes to horror. I won't watch it alone, don't like jumpy scenes or slasher action, and I prefer to view horror away from the scary big screen, with all its nasty tricks. If, like me, you avoid the jumpy, shocking horror action type of films:

Face your fears

You may have to hide behind your hand, look away, watch through squinty eyes or perhaps even pretend you need to go to the bathroom during the scariest bits. You will find a whole lot more to enjoy than the horror in this film, so why miss out simply because you may easily be spooked? It does us good sometimes to step outside of our comfort zone.

Definitely a film packed with interest, intrigue, dramatic action (not just of the kinetic kind), solid story, brilliant acting by the whole cast (not just the stars). It also has great photography, sound, special effects, continuity and... oh yeah: horror.

If you like fast-paced action and slick drama, but you don't like horror movies:

You should definitely see this movie.

If you do like horror movies... well...

Do you really have a choice?

If you do go see the film, please let me know what you think, whether you agree with me or not. Any Beckenham pals reading this please comment in the BAG forum, as you won't be able to comment here unless you fill in the form for a free registration.

Whether you comment or not, thanks for reading.