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Few horror franchises have captured the imagination of audiences quite like The Conjuring universe. Since the release of the first film in 2013, fans have been enthralled by the eerie adventures of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the real-life paranormal investigators whose stories inspired a sprawling cinematic universe.

But with the release of The Conjuring 4many fans and critics alike have expressed disappointment. The film was billed as the final chapter of the Warrens’ story, promising a satisfying conclusion filled with terror, heart, and a sense of closure. Instead, the result feels uneven — a mix of underwhelming scares, a thin plot, and a noticeable departure from the emotional resonance that elevated the earlier films.

From its reliance on overused horror tropes to its lack of character depth, we’ll break down where the movie faltered and why it failed to deliver the same goosebumps and gut punches as its predecessors.

Overreliance on Jump Scares

One of the defining traits of The Conjuring films has been their masterful use of suspense. Director James Wan’s work in the first two films set a gold standard for horror — relying on slow-burn tension, clever sound design, and atmospheric dread rather than cheap startle tactics.

In The Conjuring 4however, many critics noted that the film leans heavily on jump scares that feel more obligatory than earned. Scenes that should build tension cut too quickly to loud musical stings and visual shocks, leaving little room for psychological buildup. The result is a film that feels more like a haunted house ride than a carefully crafted story.

Audiences who loved the subtlety and clever framing of earlier entries may find this shift disappointing. Instead of creating memorable, terrifying sequences (like the clapping game from the first film), the movie often repeats predictable setups, making scares feel formulaic.

A Weak, Rushed Storyline

At the heart of The Conjuring franchise has always been the Warrens themselves — their relationship, their struggles, and their unshakable faith. The Conjuring 4 seems to sideline these emotional beats in favor of quickly moving from one spooky set piece to the next.

The plot introduces a compelling mystery — a possession case tied to a decades-old curse — but fails to develop it in depth. Key characters are underwritten, and new additions to the lore lack the depth and intrigue of past villains like Valak or Annabelle.

Moreover, the pacing feels rushed. There’s little time to breathe between scares, and the narrative fails to allow emotional moments to resonate. This leaves the finale feeling unearned and anticlimactic rather than cathartic.

Franchise Fatigue Is Setting In

After multiple spinoffs and sequels, audiences may be experiencing Conjuring Universe burnout. The same tropes — haunted houses, cursed objects, demonic possessions — are starting to feel repetitive. The Conjuring 4 does little to break the mold, offering few surprises or innovations.

Compare this to recent horror hits like Hereditary or Evil Dead Risewhich pushed boundaries and experimented with new ideas. The Conjuring 4 plays it safe, relying on familiar formulas that no longer carry the same punch they once did.

This sense of déjà vu makes it hard for the film to stand out, especially for long-time fans who expected a bold and memorable send-off for Ed and Lorraine.

Underused Talent and Performances

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have always been the emotional anchors of the franchise, bringing warmth and humanity to stories steeped in darkness. While their performances are solid here, they are given less room to shine.

Instead of exploring deeper dimensions of their characters, the script gives them functional dialogue and keeps them moving from one set piece to another. This reduces the emotional stakes, making the climactic moments feel hollow.

Fans hoping for a meaningful, heartfelt farewell to the Warrens may walk away unsatisfied, wishing the script had allowed for a more intimate exploration of their legacy.

Conclusion

The Conjuring 4 is not without its merits — the production design is chilling, the soundscapes are eerie, and there are flashes of brilliance that remind viewers why they fell in love with the franchise. But overall, it lacks the emotional gravity and storytelling finesse that made earlier entries unforgettable.

For some fans, it’s simply another entertaining chapter in a beloved series. For others, it’s a missed opportunity to send the Warrens off with the grand, terrifying finale they deserved.

Whether the franchise continues with spinoffs or reboots remains to be seen, but The Conjuring 4 will likely be remembered as the point where the magic — and the fear — began to fade.