A spine-tingling haunted-house ride in the vein of the classics, "Insidious" is one of the best horror films of the past 10 years!

Rating: 9/10 (2 February 2012)

From director James Wan ("Saw", "Death Sentence"), writer Leigh Whannel ("Saw I-III", "Dead Silence") and producer Oren Peli ("Paranormal Activity 1-3") comes "Insidious", a tense, eerie haunted-house film in the same vein as classics like "The Changeling", "The Haunting" and "Poltergeist." With it's minimal special effects, gore-less style and creepy atmosphere, it raises enough goosebumps to leave you awake at night, pondering what's behind the door or under your bed.
The film stars Patrick Wilson and the gorgeous Rose Byrne as Josh and Renai, a young married couple with three young children, as they move into their new home. Renai is a singer and musician, and a stay-at-home mom for their infant daughter, while Josh teaches at an elementary school during the day. At first, their life seems perfect, before something happens to one of their sons- Dalton, who mysteriously slips into a coma before strange events begin to plague the house. At first it's just disembodied voices and strange noises, but as the activity becomes more and more violent, they decide to move, realizing that the house is haunted. However, when these events follow them to their new home, they consult a paranormal expert who confirms- it's not the house that's haunted, it's their catatonic son Dalton, and the spirits want his body, and his life!
The film is a remarkable feat in modern horror. While most studios churn out silly slasher films, and watered-down CGI-filled remakes, "Insidious" is a true classic ghost story, with a touch of fantasy towards the end, and feels very fresh and unique compared with the films that pass for "horror" these days. It is confident to take us to dark places where the simple sound of a footstep will make you gasp, instead of throwing rubber gore in your face. It really eats at you, and builds tension terrifically. I also am very happy that there are no "fake scares" in the film. No cats leaping out of closets, or characters surprising each other- if something happens that makes you jump- it's a spirit and a threat! There are no fake-outs, which is gutsy on the part of the filmmakers.
The cast is all very good. Wilson and Byrne are fantastic and really convey the emotions of a distressed couple, Lin Shaye as a paranormal expert is a delight, Barbara Hershey as Josh's mother is believable. They are all great. The child actors try, but aren't quite as good, but I will give them credit, as they are very young and are doing well for their ages.
The direction is top notch. It isn't too slow, nor too flashy. It's very calm and deliberate. The music is also fantastic, and reminded me of a lot of classic horror scores. (It reminded me of William Castle films, to be honest, which I loved.) The script is tight and works, although it does become bogged down in the middle, when we learn more about what's going on. Everything functions perfectly, for the most part.
I will say, though, that don't expect the whole film to be a haunted-house ride, as the second half does delve into a bit of fantasy, which I quite liked, and turns into more of a roller coaster ride than a chilling tale in the finale. But I still loved it, and was still cowering in fear the whole time.
As a horror fan (and a believer in the paranormal), "Insidious" was a treat! I loved it, despite one or two shortcomings, and feel it's one of the best modern horror films I've seen. A great 9 out of 10! Pop it in, turn out the lights, and prepare for an eerie, spooky ride!