Insidious: The Last Key

Insidious: The Last Key is a 2018 horror-thriller movie directed by Adam Robitel, starring the acclaimed actress Lin Shaye in her reprisal of the role of Elise Rainier, the psychic medium and paranormal investigator.

The movie is the fourth installment in the Insidious franchise, which is known for its terrifying supernatural themes, jump scares, and iconic imagery. This time, we follow the story of Elise Rainier, who is called upon to investigate a haunting in her own childhood home. The story takes place before the events of the previous three movies, and it sheds light on the backstory of the beloved character.

The movie kicks off with a flashback to 1953 New Mexico, where Elise is just a little girl. We get to see how her psychic abilities manifest for the first time and how they affect her family dynamics. Her mother, who is abusive and dismissive of her abilities, labels her a freak and often punishes her for communicating with the dead. This leads to Elise running away from home with her younger brother Christian, who is also aware of his sister's gift.

Cut to the present day, and we see Elise and her team, Specs and Tucker, being called to investigate a case in her childhood home. The new owner, Ted Garza, is experiencing strange occurrences, including a spirit that locks his daughter in a hidden basement. Elise is hesitant to return to her old home, but she believes that it's time to confront the demons of her past.

Upon arrival, Elise discovers that her childhood bedroom is untouched, and she sees flashes of the abuse she endured as a child. It's not long before she makes contact with the entity causing the haunting, and things start to take a turn for the worse. As Elise delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers that the demon that tormented her as a child is still alive, and it's been waiting for her return.

What follows is a chilling sequence of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Last Key brings back the iconic imagery and jump scares that made the Insidious franchise so popular while adding a unique spin to the story. The movie explores the theme of family dysfunction and trauma, and it's refreshing to see a horror movie of this caliber tackle such a deep subject matter.

Lin Shaye delivers a stunning performance as Elise Rainier, and her portrayal of the character is nothing short of brilliant. The movie gives us a glimpse into the life of this beloved character, and it's an emotional rollercoaster. Shaye's chemistry with Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson, who play Specs and Tucker, respectively, is a highlight of the movie.

The Last Key is not perfect, however, as the story feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped at times. There are also some pacing issues in the third act, which can make it feel a bit anticlimactic. Regardless, the movie's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it's a worthy addition to the Insidious franchise.

In conclusion, Insidious: The Last Key is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre, and it's a compelling entry in the Insidious franchise. The movie delivers on the scares while adding a layer of emotional depth that elevates it above your average horror movie. Lin Shaye's performance alone is worth the price of admission, and it's a testament to her talent as an actress.