Sinister is a 2012 supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and written by C. Robert Cargill and Derrickson.
The film stars Ethan Hawke as a struggling true-crime writer named Ellison Oswalt who moves his family into a new home after discovering a snuff film showing the deaths of a family. The film follows Ellison as he tries to solve the mystery of the murders and the supernatural forces that seem to be haunting the house.
The film was inspired by a nightmare that Cargill had after watching the 2002 film *The Ring*. Principal photography began in Autumn 2011 in Long Island, New York, with a production budget of $3 million. The film was shot on actual Super 8 cameras and film stock to add to the authenticity of old home movies and snuff films.
Sinister premiered at the SXSW festival on March 10, 2012, and was released in the United States on October 12, 2012. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 154 reviews, with an average rating of 6.20/10. The critical consensus states that while the film recycles horror clichés, it delivers a surprising number of fresh and diabolical twists.
The film was a box office success, grossing $87.7 million worldwide against its budget of $3 million. It has since developed a reputation for being a scary film and is considered a cult classic. A sequel was released in 2015.
The film's reception was mixed, with some critics praising its acting, direction, and atmosphere, while others panned its use of jump scares and other horror clichés. The film's scares were delivered sparingly, but effectively, and the direction was solid and stylish. The music and soundtrack choices were also noteworthy, with a Boards of Canada tune playing over a scene.
Overall, Sinister is a well-crafted horror film that delivers a surprising number of fresh and diabolical twists. While it may not be the most original film, it is a great example of old school horror done well.