The concept of astral projection into the realm known as The Further remains creepy and intriguing. Lost souls and demonic entities haunt this supernatural plane, and the film capitalizes on this eerie premise. However, “Insidious: The Red Door” struggles to maintain the franchise’s scare factor. The scares feel tired, and the film edges toward a dead end for the series.

Josh and Dalton’s gift for astral projection isn’t just a mysterious phenomenon—it’s tied to inherited trauma and mental health struggles. The film explores Josh’s guilt and Dalton’s resentment following his parents’ separation. While this theme has been used in horror before, it lacks freshness here. The metaphor of family secrets and psychological wounds feels rote, draining the interest from the family drama.

The film attempts callbacks to previous “Insidious” entries, but they come across as half-hearted. The pieces don’t quite fit together, leaving some loose threads unresolved. Perhaps this is fitting for a franchise that never truly ends when it claims to.

Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut shows promise, but the execution falls short. The performances are uninspired, and the cinematography lacks the visual flair of earlier films. The conclusion disappoints, failing to live up to the legacy of its predecessors.