Patrick Wilson, known for his role as Ed Warren in The Conjuring series, returned to the world of supernatural terror with his Patrick Wilson directorial debut horror film, Insidious: The Red Door, released in 2023. The movie picks up nine years after the events of Insidious: Chapter 2, continuing the story of Josh Lambert (Wilson) and his family as they face the consequences of attempting to sever their connection with the sinister spirit realm known as the Further.
In earlier Insidious films, Josh and his family battled haunting forces through astral projection, but this installment shifts focus to the emotional toll these experiences have taken. Following a divorce from his wife Renai (Rose Byrne), Josh struggles with memory loss and estrangement from his children, while his eldest son, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), feels alienated by family secrets during his time at college. Both soon encounter supernatural forces again, forcing the fractured Lambert family to unite once more against the dangers of the Further.
Subtle Horror Techniques Shift the Series’ Tone
Unlike previous entries, which quickly unsettled audiences with harsh, screeching music by composer Joseph Bishara, The Red Door introduces a haunting silence from its opening scene. The film begins with a tense moment featuring Josh sitting alone in his car, unaware of a shadowy figure approaching through the rear window. Instead of delivering an immediate jump scare, the scene invites viewers to share in Josh’s growing unease, using quiet suspense rather than overt shocks.
This approach echoes the original Insidious’ technique of misdirection, as when a dream sequence with Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) leads to the sudden appearance of the terrifying Lipstick-Face Demon behind Josh. Patrick Wilson employs similar suspense tactics to build tension before unveiling scares. Though jump scares remain present, the film prioritizes exploring the deepening emotional fractures within the Lambert family over relentless supernatural horror.
Wilson Balances Family Drama and Psychological Horror
Scott Teems’ screenplay grounds the horror in the painful realities affecting the Lamberts, highlighting their estrangement and desperation. Scenes between Josh and Renai, as well as family clashes with Dalton, reveal raw emotions that are intensified by the audience’s familiarity with the characters. Wilson’s dual role as actor and director becomes evident in his intense, unguarded portrayal of Josh, which pairs effectively with his careful crafting of suspenseful moments.
A standout sequence intensifies claustrophobia through an MRI scan where Josh becomes trapped, accompanied by a lurking spectral entity. The camera work conveys an overwhelming sense of confinement as the spirit approaches him silently, and Josh’s escalating panic sets the scene apart. Another memorable scare revisits the mysterious figure from the opening, culminating in a thrilling moment when the spirit shatters a window to reach Josh. Wilson stated in an interview with Collider that he
fought for that over and over, even though I was kind of told, ‘You should do this at night, he shouldn’t come through the window,’ all this kind of stuff.
—Patrick Wilson, Director
These carefully staged scares reveal Wilson’s skill at marrying psychological horror with supernatural elements, though this focus comes at the expense of further developing the mythology behind the Further. The film’s tension relies more on the dangers encroaching on the real world, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles and fractured relationships.
Supporting Characters and Franchise Legacy in Perspective
The Red Door shifts away from the usual comedic relief provided by Tucker and Specs, the quirky duo who have offered levity in past entries. Instead, humor is mainly present in scenes involving Dalton and his college roommate, Chris (Sinclair Daniel). While Tucker, Specs (Angus Sampson), and Elise (Lin Shaye) make brief appearances, their diminished roles signal a narrative choice to concentrate on Josh and Dalton’s personal journey rather than expanding the world of the Further.
The setting inside the Lipstick-Face Demon’s lair remains unsettling, but these horror moments are relatively brief compared to prior films. This restrained usage of franchise staples underscores the movie’s emphasis on family trauma over franchise lore, marking a departure from the prior sequels which often delved deeper into the supernatural universe.
Patrick Wilson’s Promising Start as a Director
Though rooted in an established horror series, Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut signals a new creative phase for the actor, showcasing his ability to blend emotional depth with effective horror. Critics and fans may appreciate the shift toward exploring family dynamics and psychological tension alongside supernatural elements, suggesting Wilson’s strengths lie in stories with personal stakes.
Given how well he managed to balance acting and directing duties in this demanding genre, Wilson’s best future opportunities might emerge from original projects that do not carry the weight of extensive franchise history. His exit from The Conjuring universe and return to Insidious in this dual role allowed him to leave a distinctive imprint on a leading horror series. The film’s closing credits feature a unique moment with Wilson performing vocally alongside the band Ghost, adding a personal touch to his departure from the franchise.
