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.
"Once you see him, nothing can save you."
Top Billed 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
Detailed Critic & Audience Reviews
S SheBloggerVerified TMDB Critic
2012-10-17
Sinister (A Horror Movie): From a Commoner’s View
NO SPOILERS – SheBlogger hates spoilers :)
Okay…so here’s another horror movie review from the girl who is yet to be scared with scenes shot in the dark, gory murders and startling sound effects.
HeBlogger and I went to the mall last Sunday to watch a different movie. We thought Tiktik, which is a Filipino horror movie, was already showing. Apparently, it is not scheduled until next week. Then we saw Sinister’s poster, which said, “from the producer of Paranormal and Insidious”. We have seen both movies and ...
J John ChardVerified TMDB Critic
2015-10-14
Bughuul the Bastard!
After moving himself and his family into a new house that was the scene of a horrendous crime, true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) finds a box of 8mm "snuff" films that suggest the murder he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose career dates some way back still further...
It is becoming the un-reviewable genre, horror that is, there are just too many splinters of horror to choose from and so many people to cater for. There are many who stand up and proudly proclaim that they will watch any horror film and view it on its own terms, y...
G GimlyVerified TMDB Critic
2020-07-26
Hits an absurdly high number of horror clichés, but manages to do it in a pretty successful manner. Features many more laugh out moments than you might expect from a horror of this type. Not sure if that's a pro or a con.
_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._...
D Dr NostromoVerified TMDB Critic
2026-07-27
73/100
A true crime writer moves into a home where a horrific murder took place and his family encounters a malevolent force. This was an ultra-creepy exercise in, not only a demonic presence, but also in obsession and how far someone is willing to go before considering their family's safety. Everyone in it did a wonderful job and their actions were logical, heartfelt and intelligent. It's absolutely thick with a sense of dread, with a few really choice jump scares that never felt like pandering, and that sound track is incredibly unnerving. Very nicely done! - DrNostromo.com...
