Insidious: The Red Door Movie Review (2023) - A Satisfying Conclusion To The Lambert Family Story
The long-awaited return to the Insidious franchise, directed by Patrick Wilson, brings an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Lambert family from the first two films. Here is The Film Magazine's full Insidious: The Red Door (2023) movie review.
Story Focuses on Father-Son Dynamics
Set around a decade after the previous films, The Red Door follows Josh and Dalton Lambert as father and son deal with the aftermath of the events in their past. They are haunted both literally by demons and figuratively by their fractured relationship.
The story focuses on the emotional dynamics between Josh and Dalton, exploring themes of generational trauma, familial strife and abandonment. It grounds the supernatural elements in the real-life struggles between its characters.
Strong Performances By Patrick Wilson and Ty Simpkins
Patrick Wilson impressively makes his directorial debut with The Red Door. As Josh Lambert, he embodies a weariness that brings depth to the divorced father.
Ty Simpkins also shines as the brooding artist Dalton. A confrontation scene between Josh and Dalton shows the simmering emotions under the surface of their strained relationship.
Sinclair Daniel is charming as Dalton's roommate who helps the troubled teen.
Visual Horror Over Jump Scares
Gone are the usual Insidious spooky strings and sudden noises. Instead, Wilson opts for silent, visual horror using surreal spaces, distorted lighting, incomplete imagery and purposeful negative space.
The Further realm is modified into a strange extant dimension rather than a fully visualized world.
Effectively Reboots The Franchise
The Red Door works as both a satisfying conclusion to the Lambert family story and a soft reboot for the Insidious franchise. It redirects the series away from cheap thrills towards meaningful story and character-driven horror.
While the Insidious IP may continue, The Red Door gives the first film's central characters a definitive ending fans won't want undone.
Now the question is - what will director Patrick Wilson do next with his proven horror skills?
In summary, Insidious: The Red Door succeeds by focusing on the emotional beats of its story, grounded performances and artful visual horror over loud scares. It effectively reboots the franchise while concluding the arcs of its core characters. Fans of the first two films will find much to appreciate in this satisfying return to form.
