The Real-Life Inspiration
The Conjuring: Last Rites draws from the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the famous paranormal investigators. The film is a continuation of their documented investigations into alleged demonic activity.
The Smurl Haunting
The primary story is loosely based on the Smurl haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. From 1974 to 1989, the Smurl family reported intense supernatural disturbances in their home, which the Warrens investigated.
Unlike the film, the real Smurl case was not a single demonic entity but a series of claimed poltergeist-like events. The family's experiences were later detailed in a book they co-authored.
The Warrens' Case Files
The narrative connects to the Warrens' extensive collection of supernatural cases. Their work, including the famous Amityville Horror, forms the basis for the Conjuring Universe. The film aims to be their final investigation into this particular family's ordeal.
For more details on the original claims, you can explore the documented history of the Warrens' investigations at britannica.com.
