Insidious: Chapter 3 2015

A prequel that explores the events leading up to the haunting of the Lambert family, Insidious: Chapter 3 follows Elise Rainier, a reluctant medium portrayed by Lin Shaye. She is approached by Quinn Brenner, a troubled teenager played by Stefanie Scott, who seeks Elise’s help in contacting her deceased mother, Lillith. Believing her mother is trying to communicate, Quinn seeks a reading from Elise. Unfortunately, the session becomes frightening when Elise is confronted by a threatening demonic presence, prompting her to caution Quinn with the ominous warning: > “If you call out to one of the dead, all of them can hear you.”

Not long after this encounter, Quinn finds herself besieged by unsettling disturbances in her home. As her situation worsens, she decides to audition for a prestigious theater academy in New York. However, an eerie figure catches her eye moments before she takes the stage, causing her to falter during her audition. Later, while hanging out with her friend Maggie, Quinn reflects on her failed audition, but their spirits lift momentarily until disaster strikes—Quinn is struck by a car, leaving her with broken legs and confined to a wheelchair. Her father, Sean, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, ensures she is comfortable, equipped with a bell to summon him when needed.

As night falls, Quinn experiences an increasing number of paranormal incidents. Initially, she assumes the source of the knocks on her wall is her neighbor Hector, but when she learns he is not home, anxiety creeps in. A chilling surprise occurs when the bell rings without anyone present, leading to a terrifying series of events where Quinn becomes more entwined with the demon’s grasp. Sean frequently comes to her aid, witnessing unnerving manifestations, including a grotesque demonic figure resembling a corpse with a sinister mask.

The situation escalates when a twisted and faceless version of Quinn begins to emerge, following the demon’s orders. After a harrowing moment where this ghastly version of Quinn is found outside, Sean intervenes just as the demon attempts to pull her into darkness. In desperation, he reaches out to Elise for assistance, but she initially resists, haunted by fear from her previous encounter. Seeking reassurance from her friend Carl, Elise musters the courage to face the demon once more.

As the stakes rise, Elise collaborates with Sean and two bloggers, Specs and Tucker, while they all realize they can’t proceed without her guidance. Empowered by newfound confidence, Elise confronts the demonic force, managing to drive it away, but not without a cost—Quinn’s soul is partially captive under the demon’s control. It becomes imperative for Quinn to confront her fears alone. With her friends by her side, they fortify her resolve, even as her alternate version threatens to overshadow her.

In a pivotal moment, Elise discovers a heartfelt letter from Lillith in Quinn’s diary meant to inspire strength in her daughter. This discovery proves crucial as it aids Lillith in guiding Quinn to confront and ultimately vanquish the demon, restoring order and reuniting their family. The film culminates with the emotional return of Lillith’s spirit and Elise’s connection to her own past, leading her to a new challenge when her husband’s ghostly presence beckons her from beyond, hinting at more supernatural trials to come.