Cinema Invocation of Evil: Is the last ritual based on a royal story? Movie portrays the supposed haunt lived by the Smurl family in 1986, investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warrenpor Redation

The final chapter of the franchise Evil invocation It is based on another case investigated by the couple of demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. This time, the story focuses on the alleged demonic activity that would have plagued the Smurl family in Pennsylvania in 1986.

The plot takes place five years after the events of Summoning Evil 3: The Order of the Demonwith the Warrens on the eve of retirement. However, the couple is sought by a new family that claims to be the victim of a violent spirit – and decides to face another supernatural case before saying goodbye to the profession.

Then INVOCATION OF EVIL 4 Is it based on a real story?

Yes, Summoning Evil: Last Rites It is inspired by a real case, according to Penn Live. Production has as its backdrop the family report Smurlwho claimed to live under the storm of supernatural forces in his home, until he draws the attention of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

What happened to the Smurl family?

Jack and Janet Smurl moved to a duplex in West Pittstonin Pennsylvania, in 1976. In the early years, life was quiet. But in 1985, an incident with a chandelier that fell and injured one of the daughters marked the beginning of a series of events that the couple would describe as supernatural.

During the following months, the family reported inexplicable screams, strong smells and objects moving alone. The dog was allegedly thrown against the wall, and one of the daughters fell off the stairs. Jack also stated that he was sexually assaulted by an entity.

“Until a year ago, I thought these things only happened in movies”, – Jack Smurl, in an interview with Lorraine Warren in 1986

The famous paranormal researchers concluded that the Smurl House had been invaded by four spirits: an elderly woman, a young woman with potential for violence, a man who died at the residence and a demon. According to them, the demon used the other three spirits to weaken and attack the family.

Ed Warren told the newspaper Leader Times who felt the presence on the first night he was at the Smurl House. When trying to expel the demon with holy water, bent oil and a crucifix, furniture began to move violently.

“I didn’t have to wait moments when what I felt was a temperature drop of at least 30 degrees,” he said. “Then a dark mass formed about a meter in front of me. I heard a noise behind me, a noise of something shaking.”

How did the Warrens involve?

After two attempts at failed exorcism, the Smurl took the case to the media, appearing in programs like Larry King Live and Entertainment Tonight. The repercussion attracted the attention of Ed and Lorraine Warrenwho began to investigate the residence.

According to New England Society for Psychic Researchthe house would be under the influence of four presences: an elderly woman, a girl with potential for violence, a man who would have died in the property and a demon. The latter, according to Ed, manipulated the others to torment the family.

“The temperature dropped more than 30 degrees. A dark mass came in front of me. Behind me, furniture began to move.” Ed Warren, to the Times Leader newspaper in 1986

What happened to the house and the family?

In 1986, the Smurl published the book The Haunted: One Family’s Nightmarewhich was later adapted to a telefilm. Although the devil was not expelled by the Warrens, a local priest, Joseph Adoniziohe stated that he managed to remove his presence with intense prayers.

Even so, Janet Smurl He told the press that in 1987 he still heard beats and via shadows. The family moved the following year to the city of Wilkes-Barre. Jack Smurl He died in 2017 at 75. Your daughter Carin Smurltoday paranormal researcher, said he managed to move on.

“We had a very difficult phase and no one to help us. He was glad today I am a voice for those who need it”, – Carin Smurl, to Pocono Record in 2017

The old house was put up for sale, but the new owner reported difficulties to rent it because of the haunted fame. A new resident, Debra OwensHe said he had not witnessed anything abnormal since he moved.

How did the case come to the cinema?

The history of the Smurl family was considered a possibility for the script since the first films. According to the producer Peter SafranThis is one of the most “google” cases of Warrens. The actor Patrick Wilsonwho plays Ed and also directs the new movie, confirmed that this will be his last in the franchise.

“It was important to show skeptics. We are far from Amityville’s time. What happens to them when they are not at the center of attention?” Patrick Wilson, to Entertainment Weekly in May 2025

When debut Summoning Evil: The Last Ritual?

Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and directed by Michael Chaveswhich return to their duties after work in Summoning Evil 3: The Order of the Demonlaunched in 2021, Summoning Evil: The Last Ritual Premiere on September 4, 2025 in Brazilian theaters. Watch the following trailer:

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