Review by Jon Donnis
Insidious: The Red Door takes the audience on a chilling journey into the depths of supernatural horror, skilfully crafted by director Patrick Wilson in his directorial debut. As the fifth instalment in the renowned Insidious franchise, the film weaves a sinister tale of forgotten memories, familial strife, and the malevolent forces lurking in the shadows.
Overall.
Set nine years after the events of Insidious: Chapter 2, the film introduces us to a fractured world where Josh Lambert's haunting past is concealed within his repressed memories. Portrayed by Patrick Wilson, Josh navigates a life marred by divorce, loss, and strained relationships. The demise of his mother Lorraine sets the stage for a series of unnerving encounters that delve into the heart of unresolved family dynamics.
The narrative escalates when Josh's son, Dalton, played by (Ty Simpkins), unwittingly draws a foreboding image of the titular red door, a portal to the eerie realm known as The Further. As the spectral events unfold, it becomes evident that the legacy of this red door extends beyond mere superstition. Josh's confrontation with the vengeful spirit of his long-lost father unveils layers of emotional turmoil, fusing the supernatural with deeply rooted familial conflicts.
Dalton's journey, paralleling his father's, takes an ominous turn as he grapples with his nascent ability to astral project. The blending of modern technology, like YouTube videos explaining astral projection, with Elise Rainier's wisdom from the previous films bridges the franchise's continuity seamlessly. The frat party scene, juxtaposing the mundane with the paranormal, amplifies the tension as Dalton and his friend Chris stumble upon a horrifying presence.
The film thrives on building suspense through expertly choreographed sequences, keeping the audience on edge as malevolent forces intensify their grip on the characters. The reappearance of the red-faced demon, haunting both Josh's past and Dalton's present, serves as a harrowing reminder that some horrors refuse to remain confined by time.
The intricate interplay between Josh, Dalton, and the supernatural culminates in a climactic showdown within The Further. As Josh's hidden memories resurface and Dalton's astral projection skills heighten, a tapestry of past trauma and paranormal terror comes together in a heart-pounding confrontation. The nightmarish lair of the red-faced demon serves as a visceral backdrop, intensifying the dread that envelops the characters.
Insidious: The Red Door adeptly pays homage to its franchise's legacy while carving a distinct path of its own. Patrick Wilson's dual role as both director and actor lends a nuanced touch to the film's eerie atmosphere, while the screenplay by Scott Teems and Leigh Whannell delves into the psychological horrors of suppressed memories and fractured relationships. The film's ability to seamlessly merge the mundane with the supernatural showcases the filmmakers' commitment to the horror genre's evolution.
The Good
Excellent visual effects and make up leave you with an uneasy feeling. Well written, with a strong performance from Patrick Wilson.
A few really good jump scares, that I did rather enjoy.
The Bad
The film takes itself a bit too seriously at times, and due to the PG 13 rating, it lacks the kind of gore that horror fans might expect.
Insidious: The Red Door emerges as a decent addition to the Insidious franchise, offering a spine-tingling narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
I imagine the stuck up critics will hate it, but general horror fans will enjoy it.
I imagine the stuck up critics will hate it, but general horror fans will enjoy it.
Not gory enough to please all, but scary enough to keep you happy.
I score Insidious: The Red Door a fair 7.5/10
I score Insidious: The Red Door a fair 7.5/10
In cinemas now!
And also available on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3KvRoOJ and Amazon at https://amzn.to/3OHVaak