Sinister

 Release Date:   October 12, 2012

           

 Starring: Ethan Hawke, James Ransone, Vincent 
                 D’Onofrio, Juliet Rylance, Fred Dalton Thompson

Synopsis:

            Sinister is a 2012 supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson. The film follows true-crime novelist, Ellison Oswalt, who likes to put himself and his family in the heart of the crime scenes he writes about.  After moving into a new house where a family was recently murdered, Ellison discovers a box of seemingly innocent Super 8 home movies containing some frightening footage that he thinks will be the key to his comeback novel.  Ellison and his family are unaware of the nightmare these horrifying home movies are about to cause.

Review:

            Having the same producers from the “Paranormal Activity” films and “Insidious” and the writer-director of “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”, I expected a decent thriller with a few memorable jolts from the audience.  The disturbing opening scene set a good pace for the film.  The low lighting throughout the film keeps a steady, ominous mood that leaves the audience suspenseful at all times. The plot took some unexpected twists and the “monster” is creepy enough to want to sleep with the lights on.  Ethan Hawke gives a convincing portrayal of a man who makes terrible decisions out of hunger for the fame and success he once had.  I must credit James Ransone, as “Deputy So-and-So,” for the comical edge that he brings to the plot. Sinister is not extraordinary, but it definitely taps into your psychological terror beating most of its scare-starved modern horror competition.  The film was paced a bit slow, but surely finishes very strong, accomplishing what every horror film should aspire to do: leave the audience feeling disturbed.  Overall, I feel the director did a great job incorporating old horror with new.  Sinister is a film worth seeing on the big screen.

Sinister (2012) Trailer

~ Michelle Marks