The Conjuring ending explained

What happens

During the exorcism, Bathsheba possesses Carolyn and turns her on her own children. Lorraine reaches her by recalling the love of her family, and the spirit's hold breaks. The Perrons are freed, and the Warrens go home.

The last image

Back in the Warrens' locked artifact room, the doll sits in its place, a hint that their work will go on.

What it says

The film ends this way because it is about family. Ritual helps, but love is what defeats Bathsheba, since she attacks the bond between mother and children. The Warrens' closing return to work shows the fight never fully ends.