Review of Insidious: The Last Key (2018) by Thequietgamer — 16 Sep 2018

The absence of either James Wan or Leigh Whannell at the helm can be felt. Both still remain connected to their hit horror series with writer and producer credits, but this time the directorial duties have been taken up by Adam Robitel. Who, despite having made a well-received horror debut back in 2014 with The Taking of Deborah Logan, makes some very rookie mistakes.

For one thing the lighting is too bright. It robs the creepy new antagonist of terror and prevents Robitel from being able to achieve the same tense atmosphere as his predecessors. Whatever unsettling little flourishes there could have been from the main demon such as the scenes that make eerily playful use of it's freakish hands are ineffective as it looks too much like someone in a rubber suit.

Insidious fans need not worry too much though as some of the series' greatest strengths are still intact. Such as it's silly sense of humor, strong lore, and likable characters. The character of Elise might just be one of the best things Wan and Whannell have ever created. Of course this is largely due to Lin Shaye's performance which is a mixture of selfless bravery and inner struggle. The story dives into her tragic backstory and has a strong emotional component as a result as well as a few cheesy sweet/touching moments. Because of this I was able to enjoy the movie even though the horror side of things was sometimes sorely lacking.

Being that this is a prequel story there really isn't any tension. We already know everyone is going to be okay. Instead The Last Key's appeal comes from how it further fleshes out one of, if not the, best protagonists in modern horror. Even if it comes at the expense of the antagonist who we never get to really understand. I'm definitely ready for the Insidious series to pick up where Chapter 2 left off, but this was a decent way to hold me over until it's finally decided where the franchise will go next.

7.