Insidious Chapter 3 Review

Insidious Chapter 3 really doesn’t seem to be a good title for what is otherwise a good movie. Chapter 3 implies that it is a sequel but in fact it is actually a prequel. Insidious Chapter 3 also happens to be a much better film than Insidious 2.

The story this time around involves a girl named Quinn Brenner. She thinks her mother is contacting her from the dead but it turns out to be a demon that is feeding off her soul. Quinn and her family enlists the help from medium Elise Rainier who is in retirement because her husband committed suicide and a demon who threatened to kill her.

The story is interesting but isn’t as good as the previous installments. It was clichéd and yet it still will keep you interested. The scares are your typical jump scares that just build up suspense for a long time then just happen. These scares are used to good effect but in the last 20 minutes or so of the movie it felt old and predictable which is unfortunate. You’d at least hope the scares, particularly the final one would have an impact, if they hope to bring you in for the inevitable sequel if it does well. The scares though were better than Insidious 2.

The acting is just ok. It isn’t great but a lot better than the second film. Lin Shaye still shines at Elise alongside Angus Sampson as Tucker and Leigh Whannell as Specs, who were all in the previous installments. It was interesting to see how they actually meet and it turns out Tucker and Specs do have a funny backstory as wanna-be ghost hunters. Otherwise the main cast in Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott as the Brenner family just aren’t as great compared to Rose Byrne and Partick Wilson playing the Lamberts.

The soundtrack has always been a highlight when it comes to Insidious. It has always had an oldschool horror film feel and that continues in Insidious Chapter 3. The soundtrack and the sound helps build up the suspense and when scary things do happen, there is much more impact if there wasn’t a soundtrack.

Overall Insidious Chapter 3 is a much stronger entry than Chapter 2. Even though the title implies it is a sequel is in fact a prequel, thus being a bit misleading. With a strong performance from the supporting roles, a great soundtrack, but a weak ending, Insidious Chapter 3 is definitely worth a look for those looking for a good old fashioned horror flick.