Insidious

A pretty intense and scary ghost film that only uses the best of the tried and tested genre elements the viewer is always guaranteed to enjoy. The script is weaker (come up with an original horror film nowadays), but James Wan has really played with the form and his imaginative direction doesn't let you breathe practically throughout. The actors are also very good, the atmosphere is chilling and disturbing, and the music is strong enough to underscore the scares and amplify their effect. And if I said I didn't get chills down my spine during the final scene, I'd be lying like a politician... :) It has steamrolled Paranormal Activity. 80% (12/04/2022)

I will start pointing out a couple of flaws to avoid giving the impression that I think Wan’s new film is a masterpiece. Some scenes are clumsily edited, the actors are not very convincing at times, and the script could be a little more sophisticated – I was able to figure out one of the minor twists the moment the film began preparing for it. But sod those minor mistakes, I haven’t felt so scared from a film since REC (2007). When it comes to arousing fear "INSIDIOUS is insidious", really. The opening credits have more atmosphere and paranormal phenomena than the entire Paranormal Activity, and the quieter first half made me jerk with two jump-scares, making it clear that this film would not fall into oblivion. And I’m not speaking about any cheap jump-scares where a monster says “boo!!” in a thousand decibels. No, here the monster is standing quietly in a corner and you get scared when you notice it (together with the characters). In the second half things go full steam – a seance and astral travelling – and I was jerking nervously, almost non-stop. Back in the day, Saw shocked and excited me, Dead Silence was a pleasant surprise, but it’s Wan who has made a proper horror gem. Insidious isn’t a trendy horror video clip for the 21st century, but crystal clear terror like from an old master. As horror 10/10. (25/04/2011)

Wan is simply the king of horror. And not even Insidious is an exception. The first half of the film feels more like a classic thriller, but in the second half, it really takes off and you will be on the edge of your seat. Since I had seen The Conjuring before Insidious, I can't avoid making a comparison. Both movies star the fantastic Patrick Wilson, complemented by the charismatic Rose Byrne. I enjoyed both films a lot, but I have to say, I was a little more scared during The Conjuring. However, that doesn't change the fact that Insidious is a well-made film that will surely please many horror fans. If nothing else, I have to give it 90% for that ending. (17/11/2013)

As long as Wan sticks to classic waters, it’s nothing miraculous, but it works. But as soon as he strays into uncharted, astral waters, everything goes up the pipes, because everything suddenly turns so dumb and ridiculous that there is no room for atmosphere or tension; which of course I expect, when watching similar genre movies at three in the morning with the volume on full. (26/06/2011)

One evening, I decided that I wanted to be really scared tonight, overcome my fear, treat myself to something delicious to eat, and be satisfied that I had conquered that supposedly "very scary film". However, there was no satisfaction. The pressure of cowardice, which had been affecting me since the second minute, won, and after a few minutes, I had to completely cut off the screening. Obviously, I overestimated myself when it came to not being so scared, as it is written everywhere, because I am, as I would say, a horror enthusiast. So the next day, I invited a friend over to watch the movie together until the end. There were two of us. It was a darker day, no night. Friends! We were scared out of our wits! We even had to take mandatory breaks at various intervals. I have never seen anything so unpleasant and terrifying... well, actually, never. I have never trembled like that. I was quite satisfied with the actors. When the movie (finally) ended, we looked at each other with our mouths open. How is it possible that we were scared like little children and prayed for the film to end? Today was the day of reckoning, as I watched Insidious, so I'm very curious how I will fall asleep. 90% for a weaker plot. (26/10/2011)