REVIEW: Insidious – in 250 Words

Supernatural, haunted house, eerie music, and things that go bump in the night; everyone knows these are some of the elements of a horror film but that’s not to say they can’t still be original. James Wan brings us ‘Insidious’, but does it offer anything new?

Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson

Renai and Josh have recently moved house with their three children. Young Dalton wanders into the attic but falls and is told not to go there again. The next day, Dalton does not wake and doctors say he is in a coma, but cannot explain why. Without giving much away, further supernatural events occur in the house and the usual formalities of a horror film follow.

Truth be told, there’s not really a lot to shout about with ‘Insidious’, although Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson are a terrific and likeable duo. The film takes form with a promising plotline which keeps you guessing, but quickly goes down the safe route as if writer Leigh Whannel didn’t know how to end it.

Despite this, what ‘Insidious’ can be praised for is its ability to build suspense, however what this builds up to only disappoints. The film is at no point scary, it’s fun, entertaining, and sometimes funny. Wan’s reluctance to bombard it with blood and guts is refreshing and shows some ambition, but it falls very short of being memorable.

‘Insidious’ is great for a night in, but don’t come away expecting to feel like you’ll need to be sleeping with the light on.

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