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If there’s such a thing as ‘comfort horror,’ one title is stating quite the case

Maybe some fans need a refresher course on the definition of a comfort film.

Insidious
via FilmDistrict

While Insidious is a great film horror fans have consistently reviewed well, and the gross at the box office speaks for itself—would it be considered a “comfort horror?” It’s definitely worth watching for anyone who might have slept on it back in 2010, but don’t expect to get much comfort out of it.

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Sincerely, it’s probably a good idea to consult the Urban Dictionary on this because the term “comfort film” is being thrown around as if horror fits into that category somehow. While Urban defines a “Comfort Movie” as “A movie that one watches to feel less shit and a movie that evokes many positive/lovely feelings in that one person,” it doesn’t define “Comfort Film” the same.

Comfort Film: a film one watches that one has seen a minimum of 100 times and it never gets old. Typically a comedy, it is usually watched on a lazy day at home. If you see this film on tv, you’ll probably watch it without changing the channel.

That indeed would fit the description of something a comfort horror would fall under. So, that’s the definition to go with, and Insidious could possibly be that for so many fans. Starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, the 2010 horror film has paranormal activity in a haunted house with a comatose kid who is possessed by an evil spirit.

Insidious is actually a film series that includes Insidious: Chapter 2 in 2013, Insidious: Chapter 3 in 2015, Insidious: The Last Key in 2018, and Insidious: The Red Door, scheduled to be released in July of 2023. The first and second installments can be watched on HBO Max. The others are on Prime and Apple TV.

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byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

This particular scene can give anyone the creeps because it was done so well.

Comment
byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

It’s definitely not for comfort, which is why the question can throw anyone off if they aren’t up on the lingo.

Comment
byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

In a confusing review, at least this fan confirms that describing it as a comfort film seems a little odd.

Comment
byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

And then, as with all things, be patient and an explanation will come.

Comment
byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

This glowing agreement explains something that all horror films wish they could deliver, weird excitement and fear.

Comment
byu/carolyninwinter from discussion
inhorror

With Insidious: The Red Door scheduled to come out soon, this is a great time to catch up on the franchise. The boy, Dalton, was put through so much in the first two films. Find out what his college days are going to be like as the film series seems to be coming back to its roots.