Hold onto your lanterns, horror fans, because the Insidious franchise is back with its fifth installment, Insidious: The Red Door. This time, actor Patrick Wilson takes the helm as director, aiming to deliver thrills while delving into the intricate dynamics of the Lambert family. Though it falls slightly short of its predecessors, this film manages to offer a handful of effective scares and characters that may not fully come alive but still contribute to a haunting trip to the movies.
“[Insidious: The Red Door] manages to offer a handful of effective scares and characters that may not fully come alive but still contribute to a haunting trip to the movies.”
Picking up nine years after the events of Insidious: Chapter 2, we find our protagonist, Josh Lambert (played by Patrick Wilson), grappling with repressed memories of The Further, that enigmatic, blue-hued ghost realm beyond our own. But it’s not just Josh’s supernatural troubles that ail him; his family life is also far from harmonious. His relationship with his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) has seen better days, and the Lamberts have become a fractured unit, his other two children and estranged wife living separately. In the second film, Dalton and Josh had their minds wiped of all Further explorations, leaving both living in a foggy haze, unable to emotionally connect with those around them.
Darkness descends yet again on the Lamberts when Dalton begins sketching a red door, what we know to be the ominous gateway in The Further to a Tiny Tim-loving demonic entity. Josh too finds himself immersed in a maelstrom of otherworldly phenomena, with a bell-bottom-wearing ghost creeping about his scenes like a bug on the camera lens. Despite the seeming abundance of ghosties, those seeking the heart-stopping jump scares that defined the original Insidious may need to exercise patience. The scares in The Red Door take their time, stretching moments to build anticipation and suspense.
But fear not, brave viewers! Amidst the gradual buildup, there are several moments that will successfully send shivers down your spine. An extended MRI scene with a claustrophobic encounter and a visit from an undead fraternity bro add a good amount of scary spice and originality to the mix. These scenes remind us why horror is best served in a theatre, the audience cringing in unison is a communal experience that can’t be replicated on VOD.
” Despite the seeming abundance of ghosties, those seeking the heart-stopping jump scares that defined the original Insidious may need to exercise patience.”
The film heavily relies on the family dynamic of The Lamberts to drive its emotional core. However, the characters, particularly Josh and Dalton, feel underdeveloped, despite our being several films deep. The strained father-son relationship is meant to be the centerpiece of the story, but the film struggles to make us fully care about their journey. The lack of depth and room for these characters to breathe in their interactions makes the entire script feel like it’s going through the motions, chugging towards its eventual conclusion.
Dalton’s friendship with Chris (Sinclair Daniel), his new college pal and single opportunity to have human interaction, doesn’t burst with vibrant chemistry either. Their banter tends to stay on the surface, missing the opportunity to create a truly authentic connection. Nevertheless, the actors do their best with the material, even if the growth and development of these characters remain somewhat limited.
Despite its imperfections, Insidious: The Red Door successfully maintains the eerie atmosphere that fans of the franchise crave. The film unveils more secrets of The Further, expanding upon the supernatural lore established in previous installments. Devoted enthusiasts will appreciate these efforts, even if they yearn for a few more spine-chilling surprises.
Ultimately, Insidious: The Red Door doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. It tantalizes us with a few effective scares, but its pacing and character development fall short. It’s like a haunted house that delivers a subtle chill rather than an all-encompassing terror. Violin stings be damned. So, gather your courage and embark on this journey through familiar haunts, knowing that while it may not leave you trembling in fear, it still offers a haunting experience worth exploring.
Are you a fan of The Insidious franchise? Chat with us about The Red Door and tip-toe through the window over to the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
