Sinister

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2:26

Sinister

R

2012

1h 49m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

155 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

True-crime writer Ellison Oswald is in a slump; he hasn't had a bestseller 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.

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Critics Consensus

Its plot hinges on typically implausible horror-movie behavior and recycles countless genre cliches, but Sinister delivers a surprising number of fresh, diabolical twists.

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Peter Howell

Toronto Star

10/13/2012

2/4

More stupid than scary, Sinister can't even figure out who its real demon is.

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Kevin C. Johnson

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

10/12/2012

3.5/4

It comes together with a gruesome though excellent ending that some will find difficult to shake.

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Liam Lacey

Globe and Mail

10/12/2012

2/4

A mixed bag of old-school and contemporary horror tricks that occasionally raises a hair prickle of intrigue.

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Bryce Hanson

Horror Movie Talk

Sep 18

6/10

I can see why people like this movie and keep bringing it up to us. It’s got a distinctive dark tone while still being very approachable for mainstream audiences. It’s like if The Crow had a baby with The Nun from The Conjuring.

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

09/22/2023

3/5

A number of sequences are undeniably unsettling and effective, yet its narrative seems to only be a device to deliver those encounters.

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Cassondra Feltus

Black Girl Nerds

10/16/2022

4.5/5

'Sinister' remains one of the most original horror movies out there.

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lorenzo b

@LorenzoBiondani 6d

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Sinister. The tension builds steadily, and the jump scares are executed effectively. The plot begins well and maintains a good pace until almost the end, where it takes a direction I found completely unappealing. It feels like a missed opportunity. Despite this, it’s still worth watching.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Jan 17

I didn't particularly like it, but I know it's well known, so I thought I'd give it a try.

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Benjamin W.

@Code70 Jan 15

A strong take on the haunted house horror by Scott Derrikson. He’s a director that I think is fairly under appreciated, but this movie has its following for sure. It can be bleak and drab, but it’s quite a solid spin on the same kinda thing we’ve all seen before.

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Nathan N

@Nate67680 Jan 12

This movie is a must watch if you like proper horror movies, i’ve watched a fair few horror movies in my time and this one has to be my fav. The story line kept me thinking and focussedt and it overall a very tense movie. I almost cried multiple times watching this movie which is a good song. If you are someone that likes horror movies and doesn’t get nightmares i would recommend this movie

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Jan 3

Sinister is a solid psychological horror film that relies more on tension than constant jump scares. While it isn’t a personal favorite, it works largely because of Ethan Hawke, who delivers a grounded and believable performance that keeps the story connected to the audience. The casting is strong, and the screenplay builds anticipation by hinting at what’s coming rather than revealing everything at once. The film understands how to create unease through atmosphere, especially during its most disturbing sequences, which linger longer than typical horror scares. Director Scott Derrickson balances suspense and shock effectively, allowing the film to feel more like a thriller at times. While not perfect, Sinister is engaging, unsettling, and worth watching for fans of slow-burn horror.

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Sam C.

Dec 30

Dull and uninspiring

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Scott Derrickson

Director

Ethan Hawke

Ellison

Vincent D'Onofrio

Prof. Jonas

James Ransone

Deputy

Fred Dalton Thompson

Sheriff

Clare Foley

Ashley

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Sinister: Trailer 1

2:26

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Synopsis

True-crime writer Ellison Oswald is in a slump; he hasn't had a bestseller 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.

Director: Scott Derrickson
Producer: Jason Blum, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Screenwriter: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Production Co: Automatik, Summit Entertainment, Alliance, Blumhouse, IM Global
Rating: R (Some Terror|Disturbing Violent Images)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $48.1M
Runtime: 1h 49m

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