The “Insidious” franchise, known for its supernatural horror and intricate lore, receives its fifth installment with “Insidious: The Red Door.” What sets this film apart is the directorial debut of Patrick Wilson, who also reprises his role as Josh Lambert. As a veteran of the franchise and a familiar face in the horror genre, Wilson brings a unique perspective to the director’s chair. And as an unexpected surprise, he showcases his musical talent by performing a hard-rock number with the Swedish band Ghost during the end credits.
Wrapping Up the Lambert Family’s Story
“The Red Door” aims to provide a satisfying conclusion to the story of the Lambert family. Although horror franchises are notorious for promising final installments that never truly end, this film manages to offer a reasonably fulfilling wrap-up. The Lamberts, absent from the series since 2013 when the focus shifted to Lin Shaye’s character, Elise Rainier, have experienced significant changes during their absence.
Young Dalton Lambert, once a possessed little boy, has grown into a brooding 19-year-old art student embarking on his college journey. Josh and Renai, Dalton’s parents, have separated, and the passing of Lorraine, Dalton’s grandmother, has added another layer of grief to the family. The film opens with a hypnotist instructing Josh and Dalton to forget an entire year of their lives, effectively erasing their memories of the events in The Further.
Exploring Astral Projection and Inherited Trauma
Astral projection, a recurring phenomenon in the “Insidious” series, takes on a new meaning in “The Red Door.” It delves into the theme of inherited trauma and mental illness, a common trope in recent horror movies. Josh and Dalton’s gift for astral projection becomes intertwined with revelations about Josh’s unknown father, highlighting his guilt and Dalton’s resentment toward the divorce. While this theme has been explored in other films, it loses some of its impact due to its overuse, dampening the family drama.
A Mix of Scares and Underwhelming Moments
The scares in the first half of the film deliver the spine-chilling moments fans anticipate. Wilson, having learned from his collaboration with James Wan, the creator of the “Insidious” franchise, effectively executes jump scares that satisfy audiences’ expectations. Notably, a scene where Josh hallucinates a ghastly old woman while trapped inside an MRI machine stands out as a well-executed scare. It ties in with Josh’s subplot of seeking treatment for persistent fatigue and brain fog, adding a layer of psychological horror.
However, as the main plot involving the college setting unfolds, the film gradually loses momentum and culminates in an underwhelming finale. Visually, Wilson stays true to the misty aesthetics of the previous films, recreating the signature look that fans have come to associate with the franchise. The inclusion of Tiny Tim’s “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” in a room filled with broken dolls within The Further adds to the eerie atmosphere. The film balances humor, supporting characters, and the constraints of a PG-13 rating by replacing explicit gore with fake vomit and makeup effects.
Patrick Wilson’s Dedication to the Franchise
Wilson’s portrayal of Josh Lambert is commendable, as he demonstrates his investment in the series and its characters. While callbacks to previous “Insidious” films may feel lackluster, Wilson’s commitment to his role keeps the audience engaged. His directorial debut showcases his understanding of the mechanics of horror and his ability to deliver what fans desire.
As “Insidious: The Red Door” supposedly marks the final chapter of the franchise, it offers closure to the Lambert family’s story. While the film has its moments of scares and suspense, it struggles to maintain its momentum throughout, resulting in an ultimately underwhelming conclusion. Nevertheless, Wilson’s dedication to the franchise shines through, making this installment a must-watch for fans who have followed the “Insidious” journey.
