Amelia Eve is stepping deeper into the horror genre with “Insidious: Out of the Further,” the latest chapter in the popular supernatural franchise.
Best known for playing Jamie in Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” Eve brings a grounded and emotional performance to the new film. During a recent interview, she discussed joining the “Insidious” universe, the relationship at the center of the story and the physical demands that come with performing in a horror movie.
For Eve, one of the project’s biggest attractions was its ability to deliver more than traditional scares. She was particularly interested in the emotional journey within the script and the strength of her character’s relationship with her daughter.
“I don’t remember being taken on this emotional rollercoaster in any of the other movies,” Eve said.
That emotional focus gives the film an opportunity to connect with viewers beyond its supernatural elements. Eve said the mother-daughter relationship became a driving force behind her decision to join the project.
Although she had seen the original “Insidious,” Eve was not initially familiar with every installment in the franchise. Her younger sister, however, was already a major fan. After landing the role, Eve watched the other films and gained a deeper understanding of the world she was entering.
She also believes the latest movie can stand on its own for viewers who may not be familiar with the complete franchise. Longtime fans will recognize references and Easter eggs, while new audiences can still follow the story without needing to watch every previous installment.
“It feels like a whole new thing,” Eve said.
Creating that experience required Eve to place herself in an intense emotional and physical state during filming. She explained that horror performances often require actors to imagine threats that may not be physically present during production. Even with practical effects on set, much of the fear must come from within the performer.
That process caused her body to react as though the danger were real. Eve recalled experiencing sweating hands, a pounding heart and a fight-or-flight response while working through frightening scenes.
“It definitely took all sorts of things to kind of find a bit of grounding and be like, it’s okay,” she said.
Despite the film’s darker material, lighter moments with her castmates helped Eve separate herself from the intensity of the story. Those moments allowed her to reset after scenes and remember that she was safe on a movie set.
Eve also participated in a rapid-fire horror round during the interview. When asked to choose between the classic films “Carrie” and “Halloween,” she selected “Carrie.” She also said portraying grief is more difficult than portraying fear.
Her final answer captured what she believes separates memorable horror movies from stories built only around scares.
“A great horror movie has to make you feel something,” Eve said.
That approach is at the heart of “Insidious: Out of the Further,” which aims to give audiences an emotional experience alongside the fear, suspense and supernatural horror they expect from the franchise.
