The interesting and eye-catching aspect of this poster that sets it apart from the rest is that it is a photo that is exposed in a light setting, which is the opposite to most other horror film posters. The others usually have dark figures with hard to make out, obscured features. However in this one it is clear what the figure is, it’s a boy, presumably the main character, and a possessed one at that.
He is in a dressing gown / pyjamas, which conveys his innocent youthful age, and how he clearly lives at home, reinforced by the house shown in the background. This also conveys a vulnerability on his part. The inclusion of a suburban house suggests that even the areas in our lives that we believe are safe, can also be the scene of dreadful animosity.
His left eye has the word insidious shown inside it, which suggests he has been possessed by the main antagonist of the film. He is staring straight at the camera, engaging in direct address, which makes the viewer feel uneasy, as if everywhere the viewer goes, the boy watches. He is stationed in the centre of the frame, therefore he is the main focal point of the poster.
On the top of the frame is “From the makers of paranormal activity and saw”. This shows the audience that this is going to be a well-made horror film, as those two films have been wild successes, spawning sequels and franchises respectively. This encourages the viewer to watch the film upon release, as it promises to be as good as the aforementioned duo. The font is the same as the font used in the title, strapline, and trio of cast.
The typography for the title is white and upper case, with the two consecutive letters “SI” coloured in red. The strap line says “Its not the house that’s haunted”, which suggests it’s the boy in focus that is the haunted one. This again isntills fear into the audience as a lot of horror films show the stereotypical haunted house trope, but this film discourages that norm and provides a different take on the possessed theme.
The most famous 3 cast members are immortalised with their names in upper case red lettering below the strap line. These are the ones who were presumably paid the most therefore have their names big on the poster. The most famous name on there would be Rose Byrne (X-Men, Annie) but she is not a star in her own right, therefore her name is the same size as the rest. These actors are not powerful enough on their own to sell their film for their inclusion alone, therefore the statement that it is “from the makers of paranormal activity and saw” is what makes the audience want to watch it.
The principle cast and crew is placed below in its conventional fashion, tall and slim lettering, barely legible to the naked eye. The website is featured at the bottom in small lettering in which one can watch the trailer for the film, which promotes exchange, as the audience can use the internet to react and become involved with the film, to provide feedback and make fan-edits etc.
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