Insidious: The Red Door, the latest installment in Blumhouse’s original franchise, brings a sense of familiarity and homecoming to fans. The movie, directed by Patrick Wilson who also reprises his role as Josh Lambert, refocuses on the Lambert family and explores the aftermath of their previous encounters with the supernatural. While The Red Door may be less terrifying than its predecessors, it offers a headier take on the series.

The Red Door takes place nine years after the events of the previous film, with Josh and his son Dalton choosing to have their memories wiped in an attempt to prevent further attacks from the spirits from The Further. However, the psychological impact of those attacks still lingers, causing turmoil within the family. As a result, the entities from The Further see an opportunity to cross over into the living world once again.

As a first-time director, Patrick Wilson manages to strike a balance between family melodrama and horror elements in a way that enhances the narrative. The Red Door effectively utilizes The Further as a backdrop for the character arcs, with Dalton’s art teacher guiding him to explore his subconscious through his artwork. This exploration brings forth secrets and intensifies the connection between the characters and the spirits. Wilson and Ty Simpkins deliver earnest performances, creating a compelling storyline centered around the “sins of the father” and the journey towards reconciliation.

Simpkins skillfully portrays Dalton, adding vulnerability to the character without falling into clichés. Wilson’s portrayal of Josh as a harried husk adds depth to the character, making moments of vulnerability even more impactful. However, the focus on Josh and Dalton reduces the roles of Renai and Foster to mere sounding boards, detracting from their presence in the film.

Wilson’s skills as a director shine in The Red Door’s long takes, effectively building tension and sustaining dread throughout the movie. The film stays true to the franchise’s tradition of creating suspense leading up to jump scares, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. While the jump scares do become somewhat repetitive, Wilson’s execution maintains the series’ signature creeping, creepy tone.

One aspect of The Red Door that falls short is its college setting, which feels nondescript and underutilized. Although there are spooky moments in various locations on campus, they don’t have a strong connection to Dalton’s college experience. The potential for exploring deeper themes, such as Dalton’s relationships with other students who have also experienced tragedy, is not fully realized.

Despite its flaws, The Red Door stays true to the series’ formula while offering a fresh take on the story. Wilson proves himself as a capable director, effectively blending horror and family drama. The film may not be the most innovative in terms of scares, but it succeeds in further developing the characters and their emotional journeys.