Insidious is a 2010 film by James Wan and Leigh Whannell, the duo behind Saw, but it is quite the departure from the gory series. Insidious sets the tone right off the bat with a thrilling title card with shrill string instruments and a hellish image. It stars Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins and Lin Shaye. Insidious takes on demonic entities, medium powers and a spirit realm referred to as The Further, although I think it's better suited as "The Twilight Zone." Wan and Whannell do an excellent job of turning comforting images and homey settings into places of horror. No matter where the Lambert families goes, they are followed by a demonic being that is latched to their son and draws many other beings with it. The character designs are creepy and unnerving, especially the Lipstick-Face Demon and the Old Woman who is actually played by Phillip Friedman.
I think Insidious tackles the depth of paranormal horror and possession very well because it doesn't resort to the same drawn out exorcisms and conversations with a demonic being. Instead, it takes us into the spirit realm that we rarely see, and deals with the mind of those possessed rather than those who endure their demonic state. The seance that is held in Insidious is so unique in its execution thanks to the three hundred sixty degree table camera and the inclusion of a gas mask for no explicable reason. Admittedly, it makes the scene creepier, so I'm all in.
If you're looking for a different take on paranormal horror, Insidious is a good start. Wan and Whannell do a stellar job, and they also inject a few good laughs along the way. Patrick Wilson is a great actor and I had a hard time watching his character endure the horrors of his family's demonic link.
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