Is Insidious Based On A True Story?

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For quite some time, numerous horror films have been inspired by or loosely based on truly terrifying real-life events. This includes iconic movies like “The Exorcist,” which was released in 1973 and is often ranked among the best horror films ever made. Other supernatural-themed scary movies also claim to be grounded in reality, leaving viewers wondering if they are based on fact or fiction. This is especially true for found footage movies that strive to appear as documentaries rather than works of fiction. Despite not having any disclaimers, the prevalence of horror films with real-world roots has led some to question whether “Insidious,” released in 2010, is based on a true story.

The movie “Insidious” narrates the story of Josh and Renai Lambert, a couple along with their three kids, who relocate to a new house. A strange incident occurs when one of their sons experiences a head injury that puts him into a coma. Following this, the family starts experiencing eerie occurrences, particularly in the presence of their seemingly comatose child. Contrary to what might seem plausible based on real events, “Insidious” is not actually inspired by true happenings. However, it does have an intriguing background story.

What is the plot of Insidious?

Insidious” is a movie penned by Leigh Whannell and directed by James Wan, who also collaborated on the first “Saw” film. The story unfolds with the Lambert family – Josh, Renai, Kali (played by Brynn Bowie), Dalton (Ty Simpkins), and Foster (Andrew Aster) – having just settled into a new house. It’s Dalton who discovers something eerie first, as he falls from a ladder in the attic, injuring his head, and later claims to have seen a spirit.

From my perspective as an avid viewer, Dalton initially appears to be fine, but the next day, he slips into a baffling coma that persists for several months. His parents are eventually granted permission to bring him home under these circumstances. Strangely enough, our house seems to turn into a haunted abode following his return. Members of our family and anyone who pays us a visit start experiencing unusual occurrences. As for Dalton, it turns out that what we initially thought was merely a coma is actually something far more supernatural in origin.

Why do people think it’s based on a true story?

Previously mentioned, many horror films draw inspiration from real-life events, either directly or indirectly. For instance, the 2003 movie “Open Water” was inspired by a true tale of a couple who vanished while scuba diving in shark-inhabited waters and were never found. Similarly, fictional characters and chilling narratives in films like “The Silence of the Lambs” are often based on infamous real-life serial killers such as Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, and Gary M. Heidnik.

Movies like “Insidious,” which have a supernatural theme, are frequently stated to be inspired by real events, similar to films such as “The Exorcist,” “The Amityville Horror,” “The Haunting in Connecticut,” and “The Exorcism of Emily Rose.” Due to this resemblance, “Insidious” is often mentioned when discussing movies based on true incidents. However, it’s important to note that there’s no evidence supporting these claims. Still, some paranormal-focused blogs, social media accounts, and YouTube channels have asserted that “Insidious” is based on one or more true stories, which has led some people to believe this is the case.

Another possibility for people thinking that “Insidious” is a factual account could be due to confusion with another horror series featuring Patrick Wilson: The Conjuring Universe. While these movies are inspired by the experiences of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, there’s a lot more to the actual story behind 2013’s “The Conjuring” that isn’t portrayed in the film.

What did the filmmakers base the movie on?

The film “Insidious” draws its inspiration from real-life stories about ghostly experiences and strange occurrences that director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell gathered from people. Although many individuals may hold such beliefs, it’s essential to note that the movie isn’t a direct retelling of true events. Instead, the filmmakers used these narratives as a foundation to create the story, with their primary interests lying in astral projection (also known as out-of-body experiences) and the genuine phenomenon of sleep paralysis.

Initially, those two elements served as the foundation for what later evolved into “Insidious,” and it proved quite successful. Most critics praised the film, and it turned out to be financially rewarding, serving as an illustration of a low-budget production that generated substantial earnings. With an initial budget of around $1.5 million, it grossed over $100 million worldwide. As previously stated, it has since inspired several follow-ups. At the moment, there are two sequels and two prequels in total. The combined budget of all five films is $45 million, while they’ve collectively earned a staggering $740 million globally, demonstrating that a horror movie doesn’t have to be based on real events to achieve success.

How have the sequels fleshed out the story?

As a devoted fan, I’ve always been intrigued by the “Insidious” series, starting with the chilling 2010 film. The sequels followed suit: “Insidious: Chapter 2” in 2013, then “Insidious: Chapter 3” in 2015, “Insidious: The Last Key” in 2018, and most recently, “Insidious: The Red Door” in 2023. However, much like other horror film franchises, the in-story timeline of these movies doesn’t align with their release dates. Here’s a suggested viewing order to fully immerse yourself in the story:

First, watch “Insidious: Chapter 3,” which serves as a prequel to the original movie. After that, delve into “Insidious: The Last Key.” Then, go back to the beginning with the original film, followed by “Insidious: Chapter 2,” and finally, “Insidious: The Red Door.”

It’s important to note that none of these subsequent films are based on real-life events, but they do enrich the franchise’s lore significantly. Enjoy the journey into the terrifying world of the “Insidious” series!

“Chapter 3” unfolds three years prior to the Lambert family’s initial haunting, featuring psychic medium Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), ghost hunters Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson) as they confront demons tormenting the Brenner family. “The Last Key” delves into Elise’s past, showing her as a child in the 1950s, dealing with hauntings within her own family, before intertwining this timeline with the events of 2010, where she, Specs, and Tucker aid the current occupants of Elise’s still-haunted childhood home. “Chapter 2” and “The Red Door” chronicle consecutive sequels focusing on the Lambert family’s ongoing battles against supernatural evil. The latter introduces Sinclair Daniel as Dalton’s roommate, Chris, and the spirit of Josh’s deceased father, portrayed by David Call.

What does the future hold for the series?

Currently, the latest installment in the Insidious series, “Insidious: The Red Door,” is still the most recent film, but it’s not dormant – several projects are being planned for the future. Back in 2018, producer Jason Blum hinted at a potential crossover movie between Insidious and Sinister franchises, expressing hope that this project might come to fruition someday. Interestingly, the initial Sinister film was inspired by a nightmare experienced by its screenwriter C. Robert Cargill following a viewing of “The Ring.” In May 2024, it was announced that a sixth Insidious movie would be released in summer 2025; however, this release has since been postponed, and no new release date has been set as of now. As with any successful horror franchise, spin-offs are also on the table.

The movie titled “Thread: An Insidious Tale” is set to be the first spin-off from the “Insidious” series, with Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore confirmed as stars in May 2023. Since then, there haven’t been many updates, but it doesn’t seem like the project has been canceled. The plot revolves around a couple (Nanjiani and Moore) who use magic to travel back in time to prevent their daughter’s death, but as expected, things don’t go as planned and they face severe consequences due to their actions.

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2025-01-22 00:00