Although it is the fifth film in the Insidious franchise, The Red Door is more of a trilogy ender for the original Lambert Family centered in the first two chapters of Insidious. It is very satisfying on all levels.
It begins at the end of Chapter 2 after the parasite leaves Josh (Patrick Wilson) is released, preventing him from killing is family. Once the entity leaves, Carl (Steve Coulter) aids Josh and Dalton (Ty Simpkins) in blocking out the memories of their misadventures in the Further.
Nine years later, we learn that Josh and Renai (Rose Byrne) have divorced. They meet at the funeral of Josh's mother (played by Barbara Hershey in the first two movies). Dalton, Foster (Andrew Astor), and Kali (Juliana Davies) are all mourning, but there is considerable distance between Dalton and Josh. In an attempt to bridge that gap, Josh drives Dalton to school.
Josh admits his brain has been in a fog for years and wonders why. He cites that as his relationship breakdown with Renai, Dalton, and the other kids. Dalton tells him to get help as he prepares to pursue his art degree. The two fight and leave each other alone.
Dalton's art teacher then tries an experiment with her students to search their subconscious to find creativity. Dalton paints a red door, and the ability to astral project returns. At the same time, Josh seeks counseling and hopes a physical exam of his brain might solve some issues. His ability resurfaces as well.
The whole premise leads to good scares, suspense, and reconciliation of both memories, and with Dalton (along with Renai and Foster) with Josh leaving a bittersweet conclusion.
One weakness - if you can call it that - is Patrick Wilson's directing is not as stellar as James Wan. He doesn't use space in the scene or over-the-shoulder shots Wan utilizes to create tension and misdirection. A real weakness rests in a little corniness in the father-son reconciliation subplot.
However, numerous strengths make this one a great movie. The acting is great. The ensemble plays the parts so well to generate sympathy for their suffering and angst. Wilson drips with regret and sadness, and Simpkins' anger and confusion is palpable. In addition, the use of the Foster character was increased to help the plot along - which shows his confusion and struggle over the events in the first two Insidious movies. On the other hand, the Kali character (she was an infant in the first two) is completely useless and has very little screen time.
Additionally, Sinclair Daniel plays Chris, a friend who reaches out to Dalton. She's his opposite as being outgoing and friendly - and she breaks through his armor to bring him out of his shell. And Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (writer Leigh Whannel) make a great cameo in a short scene.
This is one of the best horror movies of the last two to three years - mixing terror, suspense, and emotion masterfully. If audiences liked the first two, they should not only like this one, but also find it as a satisfying trilogy ender.
It begins at the end of Chapter 2 after the parasite leaves Josh (Patrick Wilson) is released, preventing him from killing is family. Once the entity leaves, Carl (Steve Coulter) aids Josh and Dalton (Ty Simpkins) in blocking out the memories of their misadventures in the Further.
Nine years later, we learn that Josh and Renai (Rose Byrne) have divorced. They meet at the funeral of Josh's mother (played by Barbara Hershey in the first two movies). Dalton, Foster (Andrew Astor), and Kali (Juliana Davies) are all mourning, but there is considerable distance between Dalton and Josh. In an attempt to bridge that gap, Josh drives Dalton to school.
Josh admits his brain has been in a fog for years and wonders why. He cites that as his relationship breakdown with Renai, Dalton, and the other kids. Dalton tells him to get help as he prepares to pursue his art degree. The two fight and leave each other alone.
Dalton's art teacher then tries an experiment with her students to search their subconscious to find creativity. Dalton paints a red door, and the ability to astral project returns. At the same time, Josh seeks counseling and hopes a physical exam of his brain might solve some issues. His ability resurfaces as well.
The whole premise leads to good scares, suspense, and reconciliation of both memories, and with Dalton (along with Renai and Foster) with Josh leaving a bittersweet conclusion.
One weakness - if you can call it that - is Patrick Wilson's directing is not as stellar as James Wan. He doesn't use space in the scene or over-the-shoulder shots Wan utilizes to create tension and misdirection. A real weakness rests in a little corniness in the father-son reconciliation subplot.
However, numerous strengths make this one a great movie. The acting is great. The ensemble plays the parts so well to generate sympathy for their suffering and angst. Wilson drips with regret and sadness, and Simpkins' anger and confusion is palpable. In addition, the use of the Foster character was increased to help the plot along - which shows his confusion and struggle over the events in the first two Insidious movies. On the other hand, the Kali character (she was an infant in the first two) is completely useless and has very little screen time.
Additionally, Sinclair Daniel plays Chris, a friend who reaches out to Dalton. She's his opposite as being outgoing and friendly - and she breaks through his armor to bring him out of his shell. And Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (writer Leigh Whannel) make a great cameo in a short scene.
This is one of the best horror movies of the last two to three years - mixing terror, suspense, and emotion masterfully. If audiences liked the first two, they should not only like this one, but also find it as a satisfying trilogy ender.
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