Film Review: Insidious

Insidious (2010)Josh (Patrick Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) are a happily married couple with three young children who have moved into their idyllic new suburban home. When tragedy strikes their young son, Josh and Renai begin to experience things in the house that are beyond explanation. Before long, their lives are turned upside down by demonic forces, hell-bent on terrorising their very existence. Forced to seek help and protect their family, they learn the terrifying truth…… it’s not the house that’s haunted but something far worse…

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye

Directed by: James Wan

Runtime: 103 minutes

Studio: Film District

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Review:  Insidious

Written and directed by the two friends that gave us the Saw series, Insidious tells the story of the Lambert family made up of Renai (Rose Byrne),  Josh (Patrick Wilson) and their three children. One day one of the sons, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), is in the attic and falls from a ladder. He witnesses something lurking in the shadows and after going to sleep that night he does not wake. Dalton remains in a coma in hospital but when he is brought home, Renai and Josh witness strange things in the house such as hand prints on the bed sheets and strangers appearing in the bedroom. They decide that the house must be haunted so move elsewhere.

A fresh start is just what the Lambert family need while they await Dalton’s recovery. However, their new home proves far from the sanctuary they yearn for. No sooner have they moved in than Renai and Josh are at the mercy of ghosts once more. Turning to Elise Reiner (Lin Shaye), a paranormal investigator, the Lambert family are horrified to learn that the house isn’t haunted at all, it is their son Dalton who is haunted. Elise has some ideas on how to save Dalton but it will involve risk not only to Dalton’s life but to the Lambert family as well. Can Elise save Dalton or will he remain haunted and comatose for the rest of his life?

I did have reservations about Insidious but I’m pleased to say many of my concerns proved unfounded. As haunted house tales go this one has some good moments and even had me on edge once or twice as well, which takes some doing these days. There is a back story involving Josh but I won’t go into detail here for fear of ruining the plot. All I’ll say is it’s interesting. Many elements of this film will not be new to you but the performances are decent with good effects to match. As horror films go this one has many positives though it doesn’t stand out as exemplary.

Insidious is a good little horror tale of a family torn apart by malevolent spirits that have targeted their son. Boasting a good cast and a story that will keep your interest for the film’s duration, this one is certainly worth your consideration but compared to other horror films it’s never going to trouble the masterpieces of this genre.

Verdict: 3/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)

About the Author:

I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.

David M. Brown – who has written 755 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.