Insidious is a 2010 supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. The film is the first installment in the Insidious franchise and has become a influential and iconic horror classic.

The story follows the Lambert family – husband Josh (Patrick Wilson), wife Renai (Rose Byrne), and their three children – as they experience a series of unsettling paranormal events after moving into a new home. When their young son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) falls into a mysterious coma, the family begins to encounter strange phenomena and darkly supernatural presences in their house.

As the Lamberts try to uncover the reason for Dalton’s condition and the sinister forces now plaguing their home, they turn to a team of parapsychologists and demonologists for help. The film delves into the concept of the “further”, a dark supernatural realm that the family must confront in order to rescue Dalton’s trapped soul.

Insidious is renowned for its unsettling atmosphere, creepy imagery, and effective jump scares that have become a trademark of the “Insidious” franchise. The film masterfully blends classic haunted house tropes with elements of demonic possession and the exploration of the afterlife.

The performances, particularly from Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne as the terrified parents, ground the supernatural elements in a sense of raw emotion and familial stakes. The film also features an iconic score by composer Joseph Bishara, which heightens the sense of dread and unease throughout.

Insidious was a major critical and commercial success, establishing director James Wan as a rising talent in the horror genre. The film’s blend of traditional haunting scares and inventive supernatural mythology has made it a landmark horror movie that continues to influence and inspire the genre today. Its success spawned several sequels that further expanded the “Insidious” cinematic universe.