Writer: Lasekan Olabisi Gbemisola

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Watch this if you liked: ”30 Days of Night: Dark Days”, “A Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Let me in”

Director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell join forces on "Insidious" which is the most unsettling horror movie I have seen in years. Full of taut, atmospheric, creepy, and at times downright scary scenes it makes the viewing experience a treat for those who enjoy their shock-jumps.

The movie "Insidious" starts out by introducing its main characters; "Josh Lambert" (Patrick Wilson), the dad, whose job as a teacher demands him to work long hours, "Renai" (Rose Byrne), the mom, who had given up a song-writing career to raise their three kids; Dalton" (Ty Simpkins), "Foster" (Andrew Astor), and baby Calli. The family wants nothing more than a fresh start at a new house, but unfortunately it doesn't go the way they want. To make matters worse, all of a sudden the oldest son Dalton goes into a coma-like state, baffling doctors and his frightened parents. Not long after, strange things start to occur and visitations start to afflict the property. Dalton is being attacked by spirits from 'The Further', a parallel universe of tortured souls and one particularly malevolent demon.

"Insidious" is a different sort of horror film from the usual genre fare, however it could have used some gore. Despite a lean beat toward the end, Wan keeps a comfortable control on the creeps most particularly in jolting audiences with a range of shocking elements, including the persistent red-faced devil. As a lean thrill ride, the film gets the job done.

The characters acted intelligently, which is an exception. When, after one particularly bad night in the house, Renai announces that they must leave and that's what they do. They get help. They consult experts. The characters are respected for this because, for the most part, they respond as we the audience might if we were in their circumstances.

"Insidious" is a movie that's not meant for children but for those who appreciate movies that can unearth the feeling of uneasiness. If you feel like you fit into that category, then surely they will like what "Insidious" has to offer.


Cinema Online, 13 May 2011