Spooky Season 2022: Sinister Review

Okay, so lets be clear, old vintage film and ghost children are creepy. Factor that in with some of best and most unexpected jump scares of all time, on top of a terrifying pale demon with scary makeup and a black suit, and the result is one of the scariest horror films of all time, Sinister. Although it doesn’t offer much outside of its central mystery, the film is no doubt a brilliant and terrifying horror film.

Desperate to write another best seller, true crime writer Ellison Oswald (Hawke) and his family move to a new home which was also the home of some of the victims of the latest case he was covering. After finding a box full of old film in the attic, Ellison soon discovers that the family that he is writing about wasn’t the only family who were brutally murdered. The truth turns out to be far worse and far darker than Ellison could have possibly imagined.

Sinister delivers many phenomenal and terrifying jump scares. The buildup or lack there of only makes these scenes that much more terrifying. Likewise, the scares are all incredibly creative and unlike anything seen on screen previously. The film’s genius use of those older film reels only add to the horror. Meanwhile, the story as a whole and the central mystery are incredibly intriguing and intricate from the very first frame to its jaw dropping and utterly terrifying twist ending that many will not see coming.

The writing is exceptional, from the mythology behind its antagonist to its intriguing central mystery. The cast is also great with Hawke stealing the show while Ransone delivers an exceptional performance as a fanboy police deputy as well as Vincent D’Onofrio in an uncredited performance as Professor Jonas.

Although terrifying, Sinister is strangely devoid from any real tension. Most of its scares brilliantly come out of nowhere while viewers are likely to not care enough about the characters enough to be scared for them. The score doesn’t do the film any favors either as it strips any tension that would have elevated the film to a higher level.

Where this film ultimately falls flat is Ellison and his family. Ellison isn’t necessarily relatable as viewers are unlikely to find themselves caring about him or his family. Though they do find themselves in moments of dangers, they will probably fail to feel any sympathy for them. The central mystery is so intriguing that they essentially become a distraction that is a lot more boring to watch in comparison.

In the end, Sinister is a highly-entertaining horror film for the ages that delivers terrifying scares, an intriguing mystery, and a great cast. However, its characters hold it back from being something great. 

*still courtesy of Summit Entertainment*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.