Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nothing new, but surprisingly effective, scary prequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Insidious: Chapter 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is suitable for older children who enjoy horror, as it features jump scares rather than explicit gore, with varying opinions on its scare factor. Many reviews note its emotional depth and thematic elements, suggesting that it can engage both horror fans and younger audiences, but parents should be aware of its potentially disturbing themes and language.
- suitable for older kids
- jump scares
- emotional depth
- varying scare factor
- parental guidance advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set before the events of Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 begins as teen Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott) seeks the help of psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye). Quinn wants to contact her dead mother, but Elise has quit the psychic business, afraid she's gone too far and that she's in danger. Meanwhile, things with Quinn go from bad to worse. She's run over by a car and must now recover with both her legs in casts. Plus, it seems that a malevolent demon is after her. Quinn's father (Dermot Mulroney), at his wits' end, decides to hire paranormal investigators Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (Leigh Whannell). But with time running out, Elise decides she's actually the only one who can help.
Is It Any Good?
This time around, screenwriter/actor Whannell assumes the helm of the horror series he helped create; fortunately, he takes several cues from directing predecessor James Wan. He focuses on character interactions, well-defined space, and intriguing use of rhythm and timing, as well as a spooky musical score.
On the downside, like the second movie, Insidious: Chapter 3 doesn't have much new to offer, and virtually all of the scares are of the jump-shock variety, with monsters appearing suddenly -- and frequently shrieking as well. But Whannell at least tries to mix up the timing of the shocks, delaying and subverting the expected. He also creates a very Lynchian version of the Further, with nightmarish imagery that can cause just as many tingles. And his characters are sympathetic and easy to like, with Shaye especially powerful and touching in her role.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Insidious: Chapter 3's violence. How much is shown? Is there a real threat? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How scary is the movie? What's the appeal of horror movies? Are gory horror movies more or less scary than those with less blood?
How does this movie compare to its predecessors? How does it work as a prequel?
Some of the characters seem obsessed with technology (the main teen girl takes pictures of her breakfast for her blog). Does that seem realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 5, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2015
- Cast : Dermot Mulroney , Stefanie Scott , Lin Shaye
- Director : Leigh Whannell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, frightening images, some language and thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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