Sinister
True-crime writer Ellison Oswalt is in a slump; he hasn't had a best seller in more than 10 years and is becoming increasingly desperate for a hit. So, when he discovers the existence of a snuff film showing the deaths of a family, he vows to solve the mystery. He moves his own family into the victims' home and gets to work. However, when old film footage and other clues hint at the presence of a supernatural force, Ellison learns that living in the house may be fatal.
Critics Sentiment
Missing children begin haunting house while family deteriorates
Ellison destroys films and moves family back home
The film drops significantly when Ellison makes predictable horror movie decisions to flee the house, then recovers with the revelation about the children being the actual killers.
Sinister builds strong atmospheric dread through its first two acts with genuinely disturbing imagery and effective supernatural scares. The film peaks during the haunting sequences but suffers from familiar horror tropes in the third act. While the final revelation about the children is praised, the predictable ending prevents it from achieving classic status.
Full cast
Ethan Hawke
Ellison Oswalt
Juliet Rylance
Tracy Oswalt
Vincent D'Onofrio
Professor Jonas
James Ransone
Deputy
Fred Thompson
Sheriff
Clare Foley
Ashley Oswalt
Michael Hall D'Addario
Trevor Oswalt
Victoria Leigh
Stephanie Stevenson
Blake Mizrahi
Christopher Miller
Cameron Ocasio
BBQ Son / Killer
Danielle Kotch
Lawn Girl
Ethan Haberfield
Pool Party Boy
Nicholas King
Bughuul / Mr. Boogie
Tavis Smiley
Anchor
Rachel Konstantin
Mrs. Stevenson (uncredited)
Chester the Chihuahua
Barking Dog (uncredited)
Crew
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