Despite the ongoing heat of September, horror films are set to chill audiences. The films "The Conjuring: The Last Rites" and "Together" will be released on the same day, signaling a showdown at the box office.
First, "The Conjuring: The Last Rites" marks the conclusion of the "Conjuring" series that has been ongoing since 2013. The series has amassed approximately $2.3 billion (about 3.2 trillion KRW) in cumulative global box office revenue, establishing a new myth in the horror genre.
The series is based on the true story of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This installment introduces a new evil spirit, 'The Mirror,' which reflects and manipulates the human psyche, adding depth to the horror story centered around the Warrens’ daughter, Judy.
Directed by Michael Chaves, who helmed "The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It," the film features production and screenplay by James Wan. Actors Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who have portrayed Lorraine and Ed Warren respectively, return for the series' final journey. Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy join the cast to lend additional support.
Particularly, "The Conjuring: The Last Rites" will offer an even more vivid horror experience through special formats like IMAX, 4DX, and ScreenX.
In contrast, the film "Together" is generating excitement with its bizarre premise of lovers' body parts gradually merging.
The film has been highlighted as a follow-up to the successful "Substance" in the body horror genre. Body horror is a genre that creates fear by grotesquely transforming or mutilating the human body, and its unique setting offers a fresh appeal to audiences.
The story revolves around Tim, who lives with dreams of being a popular musician, and his long-time girlfriend, Millie. One day, after drinking from stagnant water in a cave, they find their bodies merging more and more, leading to an uncontainable attraction between them. The main trailer released shows them resorting to drinking pain relief whiskey and wielding a chainsaw to separate their fused bodies, shocking and terrifying viewers.
Notably, Tim and Millie, who are celebrating their tenth year of dating in the film, are portrayed by real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie, adding a layer of realism to their performances.
"Together" was officially invited to the Midnight section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival held last January, and it generated buzz by achieving a 100% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In South Korea, it was first screened at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and received favorable reviews.
As both films are set to be released on the same day, all eyes are on which will come out on top. Both movies will be available in domestic theaters starting on the 3rd.