Insidious: The Red Door Review: Unscary and Disappointing End of a Franchise

When the Insidious franchise first emerged, it brought a fresh wave of terror to the horror genre. However, as the series continued, it began to feel like it had outstayed its welcome. With the release of the latest installment, Insidious: The Red Door, directed by Patrick Wilson, I had hoped for a triumphant conclusion that would reignite the franchise’s former glory. Unfortunately, this film falls short, delivering a weak and lackluster horror experience.

One of the most glaring issues with The Red Door is its failure to provide genuine scares. Instead, the film relies heavily on cheap jump scares that feel predictable and uninspired. This approach pales in comparison to the unsettling and genuinely creepy atmosphere of the franchise’s first entry, leaving me yearning for the chilling sensations that were once the hallmark of the series.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, it is worth noting that Patrick Wilson delivers a commendable performance as Josh Lambert, the lead character. Wilson’s presence on screen is captivating, and it’s evident that he possesses directorial promise. However, it is unfortunate that his directorial debut had to be associated with such a lackluster project.

Another bright spot in the film is Ty Simpkins, who portrays Dalton Lambert. Simpkins, now an adult, showcases his acting prowess and demonstrates his growth as a performer. His portrayal of Dalton is commendable, adding a layer of depth to an otherwise underwhelming narrative.

The cinematography and visual effects in The Red Door are solid, providing a visually pleasing experience. The film exhibits a polished aesthetic that enhances the overall production value. However, these technical achievements alone cannot salvage a story that lacks intrigue and a genuine sense of terror.

The narrative of The Red Door falls flat, failing to engage the audience in a meaningful way. It suffers from a lack of originality and an overreliance on tired horror tropes. Throughout the film, there are numerous dull moments where not much of interest occurs, further exacerbating the disappointment.

Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of The Red Door is how it concludes the Insidious franchise. With this lackluster entry, the series ends on a low note, failing to recapture the essence that made it so captivating in its earlier installments. It is a missed opportunity to deliver a satisfying ending and leaves fans yearning for the scares and excitement of the past.

Insidious: The Red Door disappoints on multiple fronts. It lacks genuine scares, relying instead on stale jump scares that fail to evoke fear. While Patrick Wilson’s performance and directorial potential shine through, they are overshadowed by a weak story and an overall lackluster experience. Ty Simpkins delivers a noteworthy performance, but it is not enough to salvage the film. The cinematography and visual effects are commendable, but they are unable to compensate for the film’s numerous shortcomings. Ultimately, The Red Door concludes the Insidious franchise on a disappointing and unsatisfying note.