The early collaborations of horror filmmakers Leigh Whannell and James Wan are an exercise in rising ambitions. They started their careers with the breakthrough hit Saw, a very intimate, clever little thriller that paved the way for two sequels that built on its success in increasingly disgusting ways. They then ventured into Dead Silence, a puppet-driven ghost story with fairy tale allure and great setpieces.
Next came Insidious (now streaming on Peacock).
Wan and Whannell have both gone on to have massive careers in genre storytelling, with Wan working on projects like The Conjuring, Aquaman, and the upcoming series Teacup, while Whannell has worked on Upgrade, The Invisible Man, and the upcoming Wolf Man movie. Despite their individual and joint successes, Insidious remains a standout in horror excess, throwing everything it can think of at the screen and somehow making it all stick.
The film is part of the new horror lineup on Peacock for Spooky Season, making it a perfect time to revisit this masterclass in horror excess.
How Insidious Is a Masterclass in Excess
Insidious kicks off as a typical haunted house story with the Lambert family –– father Josh (Patrick Wilson), mother Renai (Rose Byrne), and son Dalton (Ty Simpkins). Strange occurrences lead to Dalton falling into a mysterious coma, triggering a series of terrifying events that follow the family to their new home. What sets Insidious apart is its variety of haunting phenomena, from the Lipstick Demon to a creepy old woman to a little boy in old-timey clothes, creating an unpredictable and intense atmosphere.
Early on, the film signals that it’s something different, with a diverse range of spirits that keep the audience on edge. The revelation that Dalton is actually causing the hauntings by astrally projecting himself into The Further adds depth to the story and allows for escalating supernatural mayhem.
Heart in the Horror of Insidious
Beneath the horror of Insidious lies a story of family and sacrifice, as Josh and Renai fight to save their son. The emotional journey, particularly for Josh, adds a layer of heart to the film, making it more than just a terrifying ghost story. Whannell’s skill in balancing horror with emotional depth is what makes Insidious stand out among its sequels and other horror films of its time.
Insidious is a must-watch on Peacock for horror fans looking for a blend of scares and heart.
