Sinister • The Next Reel

The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I like that you made the movies longer, they are better this way.”
Scott Derrickson's nightmare after watching The Ring sparked the creation of Sinister, a chilling tale that taps into the growing fascination with true crime. Co-written with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill, Derrickson's film follows a true crime writer who moves his family into a house with a brutal past, only to uncover a sinister supernatural force at work. Released in 2012, Sinister arrived just as the true crime craze was gaining momentum, with podcasts and television shows exploring the darker side of human nature. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Nominees series with a conversation about Sinister.

Ethan Hawke's Descent into Darkness

In Sinister, Ethan Hawke delivers a brooding and moody performance as a true crime writer determined to unravel the mystery behind a series of disturbing home movies. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Hawke's character becomes increasingly obsessed, putting his family in danger and blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. We discuss how the film uses jump scares and horrific imagery to create a sense of dread and unease, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Haunted Houses and Demonic Deeds

One of the key points we explore in our discussion is how Sinister subverts the "haunted house" trope. Instead of the horror being confined to a single location, the film has the demon Bughuul's influence follow the family even after they leave the murder house. This raises questions about the logic of Bughuul's actions and whether the film needed to provide a clearer explanation for his behavior. We debate the effectiveness of this approach and how it contributes to the overall sense of unease that permeates the film.

Sinister Sounds and Creepy Kids

• The film's effective use of sound design and lighting to create a creepy atmosphere
• The unsettling portrayal of the ghost children and their role in the murders
• The challenges of working with child actors in horror films and how Sinister handles their creepy scenes

The Verdict on Sinister

Sinister is a film that effectively taps into the growing fascination with true crime and delivers a creepy and unsettling horror experience. While the logic of Buhguul’s actions may not hold up under scrutiny, the film's strong atmosphere, effective scares, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout entry in the horror genre. We have a great time discussing the film's strengths and weaknesses, so check it out and then tune in to hear our full conversation. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd