Review Insidious: The Red Door (2023): Egotrip Patrick Wilson destroys the horror that once was!

genre: horror, mystery

Up until this point, I have loved every entry in the franchise. It's safe to say that I was very much looking forward to this. I simply couldn't believe people disliking this final part, so I dismissed this criticism as unfounded. Now I have watched it and sadly have to agree with the notion that Insidious: The Red Door sucks!

While most parts in the franchise had their flaws, a few elements were always present. Suspense and dread. Those are gone now. Not even the few jump scares were effective. One good example of that is when The Lipstick-Face Demon returns on the screen. It had no impact whatsoever. I remembered the first time I had seen him in the original. I guess I was one of the few people who didn't see the trailer where his presence got spoiled. It was one of the many freaky and effective moments. Actually, after all this time, I expected The Red Door to be connected to him instead of the story that is told. I kept waiting for the dread and terror to ensue only to be let down over and over again until I quickly checked my phone to see who was at the helm of this film. Apparently, Patrick Wilson is the director of The Red Door. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I did appreciate some of the story, even it comes with a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies. In the right hands, it could have been a dramatic tale. What can be more touching than a father reconnecting with an estranged son. Except Patrick Wilson not only went above and beyond to paint himself as a martyr, he almost annihilates every good thing that came before. I mean, how is it even possible for The Lipstick-Face Demon to not be scary. Granted, that does take some skill. 

And if that isn't enough, Wilson also treats us to a cover of Stay. I didn't ask for it! For whatever reason, Patrick Wilson seized his moment to go on this ego trip and had he done so and delivering the horror goodness I would have applauded it. He only gets away with it due to sheer charm and likeability. He is one of the few actors in the bizz who can. This doesn't take away the fact that The Red Door just fails as a horror film and therefore is the odd duck in the franchise. And in my opinion a giant waste of your time!

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