Insidious is a series of American horror films created by Leigh Whannell. The films in the franchise include, Insidious (2010), Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013), Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015), Insidious: The Last Key (2018) and Insidious: The Red Door (2023). This recent release was directed by Patrick Wilson, who also plays the part of the father, Josh, in a family haunted by The Further.
The film begins with a flashback to a cleansing ceremony at the end of son Dalton’s yearlong coma (Ty Simpkins). At grandmother’s funeral, family tensions are high. Dalton’s mother suggests that Josh should take Dalton to college to bond as father and son.
The pacing of the story is deliberately slow and confusing, which heightens the tension as the audience doesn’t fully know what true reality is. The jump scares come thick and fast. Even though many are predictable, they still give a shock.
Dalton has enrolled in a prestigious art school, where the eccentric teacher is able to draw out the inner spirit tormenting Dalton. References to Goya’s painting of an Ogre eating a maiden, are reflected in the Red Door storyline. The significance of the red door is also teased out and the audience slowly learns the significance.
The cinematography was suitably dark and moody when tensions were rising. It had an interesting, altered state when visiting the Further. Overall, the off-kilter style blurred the lines between reality and what the characters thought was happening.
There were a few moments of almost camp humour to balance the ever-present dark mood. It was a relief when normal life was going on. Dalton’s assigned roommate, Chris, was an example of this lightweight humour.
Overall, it felt a little long. The ending could have been wrapped up faster which could have tied it all together. If you enjoy a movie with a plausible storyline and a few shocks along the way, this is the movie for you.
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