Prepare to be terrified, because The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers a scare so chilling, it’s left audiences and even its director, Michael Chaves, in awe. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the wedding dress mirror room scene not just the film’s best scare, but also a masterclass in blending cinematic history with modern horror? Let’s dive in.
The Conjuring: Last Rites cemented its place as one of 2025’s most spine-tingling horror films, raking in massive box office numbers that left no doubt about its impact. As the ninth (or tenth, depending on how you count) installment in the Conjuring universe, it’s no surprise that the franchise continues to excel at what it does best: scaring audiences senseless. With a lineup that includes four Conjuring films, three Annabelle movies, and two The Nun entries, the series has become a battleground for directors vying to outdo each other with terrifying setpieces. And this is where Michael Chaves shines—not just competing with the likes of James Wan and David F. Sandberg, but also with himself, having directed the last two Conjuring films and The Nun II.
In a recent chat with /Film’s Jacob Hall, Chaves revealed his pick for the film’s most chilling moment: the wedding dress mirror room scene. Here, the now-adult Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson) tries on a wedding dress in a dressing room filled with reflective mirrors, only to be stalked and attacked by a demon wearing her own face. It’s a sequence that’s as visually stunning as it is terrifying, thanks to Chaves’s masterful use of cinematic techniques. And this is the part most people miss: this scene isn’t just a nod to horror tropes—it’s a deep dive into the film’s themes, from Judy’s struggle with her psychic abilities to the looming threat of demonic possession.
The use of mirrors in horror isn’t new. Orson Welles famously exploited their disorienting potential in 1947’s The Lady from Shanghai, and iconic moments like the final fight in Enter the Dragon have cemented their place in cinematic history. Horror directors have long understood the inherent creepiness of being trapped in a maze of reflections, from Horrors of the Black Museum (1959) to It: Chapter Two (2019). But Chaves takes it a step further. The mirror room in Last Rites isn’t just a homage—it’s a thematic cornerstone, tying into the film’s plot about a demon trapped in a ‘conjuring mirror’ and its relentless pursuit of the Warren family.
When asked about his favorite scare, Chaves didn’t hesitate: ‘I love the wedding dress mirror room sequence. That’s absolutely my favorite.’ While he acknowledged other standout moments, like the succubus attack on Jack Smurl (Elliot Cowan), he insisted the mirror room scene had a lasting impact that went beyond its initial shock. Its grounding in the film’s themes, its nod to cinematic history, and Chaves’s directorial skill make it a standout moment—so much so that it’s expanded to the full IMAX ratio in the theater version, signaling to audiences that this is a scene to remember.
But here’s the question: If Last Rites truly marks the end of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s journey, did the franchise go out with a bang—or did it leave you wanting more? Let us know in the comments. And while you’re at it, tell us: Is the mirror room scene the scariest moment in the Conjuring universe, or is there another that tops it? The debate is open!
