Josh Lambert heads east to drop his son, Dalton, off at school. However, Dalton's college dream soon becomes a living nightmare when the repressed demons of his past suddenly return to haunt them both.
Ghosts have always held a chilling grip on our collective fears, but what truly terrifies us is the idea that these spectral entities could harm those closest to us. James Wan's supernatural horror franchises, The Conjuring and Insidious, have expertly tapped into this primal fear, delivering spine-tingling experiences that linger long after the credits roll. Insidious: The Red Door, directed by franchise star Patrick Wilson in his feature debut, is the fifth instalment in the series and brings audiences back to the haunting world of the Lambert family. While it revisits familiar themes and terrains, it offers a worthy finale that digs deep into familial ties and psychological unease.
The Insidious films have earned their reputation for cleverly using PG-13 ratings to evoke fear without relying on excessive gore. The Red Door follows suit, drawing on creepy atmospheres, unsettling visuals, and well-timed jump scares to deliver its frights. The film thrives on the lingering dread that comes from unseen terrors, building tension through moments that stretch out, allowing anticipation to gnaw at the audience's nerves.
For those well-versed in the series, the shared cast and interconnected stories can sometimes blur together. Hence, distinguishing between Patrick Wilson's roles as a haunted sleepwalker and a paranormal investigator is crucial. Wilson's presence as both actor and director in The Red Door brings an interesting meta-dimension to the film. It's a testament to his versatility that he seamlessly transitions between these roles. His directorial debut maintains the franchise's signature style, while also injecting a fresh perspective.
Understanding the franchise's backstory is essential, particularly the events of the first two films, to fully grasp the intricacies of The Red Door. These movies have always centred around a young boy's unique ability to enter a realm of lost souls during sleep, while his father also possesses a similar ability tainted by possession. Past traumas and resolutions play a significant role in shaping the current narrative. Even for those unfamiliar with the series, the film provides essential exposition, especially regarding Josh Lambert's (Patrick Wilson) own memory issues, which drive the plot forward.
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With the backstory established, The Red Door introduces us to an adult Dalton, whose parents have since separated. Dalton's transformation into a tormented artist serves as a narrative vehicle to unlock his suppressed memories, pulling him back into the terrifying dimension known as "The Further". The film briefly touches on themes of mental illness and alienation but unfortunately doesn't explore them fully, leaving potentially intriguing avenues unexplored.
Surprisingly, the film takes its time before fully immersing the audience into its supernatural realm. Instead of diving straight into traditional apparitions, the story unfolds as a meditation on shame, regret, and familial bonds. Josh's struggle to connect with his estranged son and confront his own traumas drives the emotional core of the film. This shift from outright horror to psychological exploration gives The Red Door a unique flavour within the franchise, showcasing its willingness to evolve. For dedicated fans, The Red Door serves up nostalgic references, familiar faces, and nods that underscore its position as a fitting conclusion. Visually, the film's muted colour palette and shadowy backgrounds enhance the sinister nature of the narrative, making the titular red door stand out like an ominous beacon in the darkness.
Scott Teems' script leans more towards jump scares than profound terror, and Wilson's portrayal of Josh is marked by a poignant blend of familial pity and sadness rather than sheer fright. This departure from overt scares might divide audiences, but it aligns with the franchise's gradual shift from conventional horror to psychological introspection.
As a culmination of the Insidious series, The Red Door effectively returns to its roots, echoing themes and motifs that have resonated throughout. This journey does tread on familiar territory, especially in its final act, which navigates through a fog of well-worn scares. While the film doesn't necessarily break new ground, it delivers a satisfying conclusion that encapsulates the series' essence.
Insidious: The Red Door solidifies its place within the franchise as a thoughtful, if somewhat predictable, finale. It captures the essence of familial ties and psychological torment, delivering scares through tension and well-crafted jump scares. Patrick Wilson's directorial debut maintains the series' signature style, while also exploring new emotional dimensions. Although it might not be the most terrifying instalment in the franchise, it leaves a lingering sense of unease—a testament to the power of fear lurking within the shadows of memory and family.
Insidious: The Red Door is in NZ cinemas from July 6, 2023