Review of Insidious (2011) by Renzo V — 08 May 2014

"IT'S NOT THE HOUSE THAT IS HAUNTED...".

- 'Insidious' is a 2010 supernatural horror film from director James Wan (The Conjuring, Dead Silence). The last couple of years, a lot of films with paranormal entity's and possessions have been made, but this 'Insidious' is definitely scary. Wan is able to create a tension, with dark surroundings and nerve-racking music, but also uses the cliché-elements like doors that close or lamps that flicker. The storyline begins rather simple and you have the feeling you've seen it all before, but then it gets a bizarre twist. I enjoyed it a lot, especially when watching it after dark. In the cast we see Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, The Conjuring), Rose Byrne (X-men: First Class), Lin Shaye (2001 Maniacs, Snakes on a Plane), Barbara Hersey (The Last Temptation of Christ, Black Swan) and Ty Simpkins (Iron Man 3). Make sure to check your childhood pictures...

Renai (Byrne) and Josh (Wilson) Lambert has recently moved into their new home with their three children. When the eldest son Dalton (Simpkins) mysteriously slips into a coma, the family is devastated. After three months of hospital, the comatose boy is moved back home, where his mother can take care of him. But then all sorts of strange things begin to happen. Renai is convinced that the house they live in is haunted. Josh is skeptical, but as he sees how his wife is frantic with fear he agrees to move again.

During the unpacking at their house, Renai gets the help from her mother-in-law Lorainne (Hersey). When both women witness a monstrous red-faced figure lurking in the corner, they fear that the evil has followed them. Lorainne contacts a friend, medium Elise Reiner (Shaye), who comes over with her team of paranormal investigators. After a quick look around, Elise is convinced that it's not the house that is haunted, but the comatose Dalton...