Blumhouse Productions, known for its chilling horror films, introduces the latest installment in the Insidious franchise with a sense of homecoming. Insidious: The Red Door marks a return to the Lambert family and their terrifying encounters with the supernatural realm known as The Further. Directed by Patrick Wilson, who also reprises his role as Josh Lambert, the film explores the profound impact of the previous two movies on the Lambert family dynamics. While The Red Door offers a less terrifying experience, it delves into deeper emotional and psychological themes, making it a compelling addition to the franchise.
A Continuation of the Lambert Family’s Haunting Journey
The Red Door takes place nine years after the haunting events that plagued the Lamberts. In a modified version of Chapter 2’s ending, Josh and his son Dalton (played by Ty Simpkins) decide to erase their memories of the previous films and their supernatural abilities to protect themselves from the malevolent entities of The Further. However, the temporary bliss is short-lived, as the psychological scars from the past haunt the family. Josh, in particular, struggles with communication due to a debilitating brain fog, while Dalton finds solace in his art, a nod to his character from the first film. A family tragedy and Dalton’s departure for college put immense strain on the Lamberts, providing an opportunity for the entities of The Further to once again attempt to breach the barrier between the spirit world and the living.
A Directorial Debut with Emotional Depth
Patrick Wilson, known for his previous roles in the Insidious franchise and his collaboration with director James Wan, makes his directorial debut with The Red Door. Wilson successfully strikes a balance between family melodrama and the supernatural elements that define the Insidious universe. The Further, a low-fi horror locale, becomes a microcosm for the characters’ internal struggles, enhancing the overall thematic depth. Dalton’s art teacher, played by Hiam Abbass, encourages him to explore his subconscious as he grapples with his nightmares, leading to revelations about his connection to the spirit world. This exploration of “sins of the father” and the journey towards reconciliation adds weight to the hungry spirits’ motivations and is complemented by Wilson and Simpkins’ earnest performances.
Character Development and Tension-Building Techniques
Ty Simpkins delivers a standout performance as Dalton, delicately balancing the angst of a typical 18-year-old with the suspicion he holds towards Josh. Wilson portrays Josh as a harried husk, contrasting the vibrant family man he once was. As the film focuses more on the depth of these characters, Renai (Rose Byrne) and Foster (Andrew Astor) take on supportive roles, providing a sounding board for the lead characters’ struggles. Wilson’s directorial skills shine in the film’s long takes, allowing for sustained moments of dread and tension. The Red Door maintains the Insidious franchise’s trademark creepy tone, building anticipation before the jump scares and making the audience question the reliability of their own senses.
Diminishing Returns on Horror
While The Red Door features an abundance of jump scares, it occasionally falls into predictable territory, lacking substantial innovation. The film’s college setting feels relatively generic and fails to establish a strong connection to Dalton’s experience. Although there are spooky moments within typical college environments, such as classrooms and dorm rooms, the connection between the supernatural occurrences and Dalton’s college life remains tenuous. The potential for exploring more complex themes, such as Dalton’s relationship with other deceased students, is hinted at but not fully realized. Nonetheless, the introduction of Dalton’s roommate, Chris (Sinclair Daniel), brings a refreshing and down-to-earth perspective to the story, providing moments of levity amidst the horror.
A Riveting Conclusion
Insidious: The Red Door takes audiences on a gripping journey as Josh and Dalton confront their family’s past and venture further into The Further than ever before. Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut successfully captures the essence of the Insidious franchise while deepening the emotional and psychological aspects of the story. Although some of the jump scares may feel formulaic, the film excels in creating sustained moments of dread and utilizing tension-building techniques. With its exploration of family dynamics and the haunting consequences of past events, The Red Door offers a fresh and engaging addition to the iconic Insidious series.
