Common conventions of Supernatural Horrors

• Ghosts, demons or other supernatural occurrences

• Normal suburban family- Use of children

• Combines element of religion

• Possessions and the Devil

• Realism- Everyday life Moving objects Red-herrings

• Contain more gruesome and vivid violence than normal supernatural

• Unexplainable at the start

• Build up until we find out everything

• Some things are never resolved e.g see the demon again at the end, the body was never found etc 

• Suspense- Creates feelings of dread

• Death and fear are key elements

• Fear of the unknown

• Off-screen diegetic sound e.g knocking noises upstairs

Insidious

Family unit looking out for each other.
Parents seem to carry main burden of what is happening (in this film the mother) as it is their ‘duty’ to keep the family safe and sound.

Acts of aggression and violence (not direct murder such as stabbing) e.g strangling, throwing, biting, scratching. 

Demon or devil involved, whom are usually revealed in the climax.
Always possession of some form, e.g child or object.

Chandeliers and rooms shaking.
Lights flickering and furniture and objects moving by themselves.

Not completely resolved at the end, (old witch grabs leading females shoulder.)
Leaves audience open to imagine alternative ending, (mind can be more disturbing than anything that can be visually created.)

Off screen, diegetic noises from other parts of the house.
Character takes a long time to investigate- builds up tension and allows chances for red-herrings.

To do with dreams, invisible friends and other things of a child like nature, (normally children end up possessed.)
Children used- represents innocence and creates sympathy. 

Attic setting, classic creepy convention.
Dark, shadows allow for fear of the unknown.

Night time when most ‘paranormal action’ happens.
Relationship tested, family unit will not come out the same. 
Sexual nature within the scene.

Typical, modern, suburban family home in a friendly neighbourhood.
Very realistic, makes it more scary.

Psychic or medium of some sort who is able to uncover some answers and provide the characters (and audience) with information.

Trying to find activity within the house e.g leaving video cameras to capture movement and noise.
‘Ghost hunter’ style characters, using technology to try and find out what is going on.

Moments of realisation for characters as to the fact that something supernatural is happening.
Never leave or manage to escape it, (in this film the supernatural disturbances follow them to the next house.)