Scary thriller does the job without slasher gore...excellent job by Patrick Wilson...

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2011)

Despite several implausible gimmicks in the script about astral flights into The Further, INSIDIOUS does the job of keeping the viewer glued to the screen as the shocking incidents begin to pile up before the surprise ending delivers a final blow. Patrick Wilson's performance gives nothing away with regard to the film's last bit of shock value. He's simply the husband who can't believe all he's expected to deal with when Lin Shaye shows up to rid the family of its cursed monster.
One of the more obvious effects is the stark use of music for shock impact, but used in connection with what's happening on screen it does manage to deepen the sense of explosive terror. Leigh Whannell's clever script fairs better in the story's first half up until the arrival of a team of specialists--but it's then that the horror elements reach their peak.
***** POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD*****
It's just that the astral aspects of out of body experience don't carry much weight in the way of credibility and the voyage into darkness toward the last fifteen minutes is a bit over the top by the time it's over.
Acting-wise, it's fine with good work from Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Ty Simpkins--but it's Lin Shaye whom you'll ultimately remember in a very intense and believable performance.
For thriller fans, this is not the blood and gore type of thing some may be expecting--but an intelligent thriller that plays its mind games with the viewer in a fascinating way. It's handsomely produced and shows no strain from its more modest budget limitations. I found it an extremely effective thriller.
Warning: You'll only be able to enjoy the second half of the film if you're willing to accept the startling premise of The Further.