Sinister (2012)
A desperate true-crime writer unleashes an ancient evil after moving his family into a murder victim's home.
Sinister - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sinister
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Scott Derrickson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Portuguese, French, Breton
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 29, 2012 (Turkey - 13+), October 12, 2012 (United States - R), October 12, 2012 (Canada - 14A), October 4, 2012 (United Kingdom - 15), November 22, 2012 (Germany - 16), November 7, 2012 (France - 12), January 10, 2013 (New Zealand - 16), November 1, 2012 (Australia - MA15+), October 12, 2012 (Brazil - 14), October 5, 2012 (Mexico - B15), March 14, 2013 (Italy - VM14), October 31, 2012 (Spain - 16), November 15, 2012 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Found Footage (US), フッテージ (JP), Siniestro (AR)
- Production Companies: Automatik Entertainment, Blumhouse Productions, Alliance Films, IM Global, Summit Entertainment
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
Sinister - Plot
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.
Sinister - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold from the very first frame:
Once you see him, nothing can save you.
Where to Watch Sinister
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Sinister - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Scott Derrickson
Main Cast
- Ethan Hawke
- Juliet Rylance
- Vincent D'Onofrio
- James Ransone
- Fred Thompson
- Clare Foley
- Michael Hall D'Addario
- Victoria Leigh
- Blake Mizrahi
- Cameron Ocasio
Writers
- C. Robert Cargill
- Scott Derrickson
Producers
- Jason Blum
- Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Sinister - FAQs
Who or what is Bughuul in Sinister?
Bughuul, also called Mr. Boogie, is an ancient pagan deity who consumes the souls of children. He communicates through images and film footage, luring children to murder their families before taking them into his realm. He is portrayed by Nicholas King and serves as the film's central supernatural antagonist.
What is the ending of Sinister explained?
At the film's end, Ellison's daughter Ashley poisons the family and kills them with an axe, fulfilling Bughuul's cycle. The final shot reveals Bughuul standing behind Ashley as she paints a mural in blood, confirming she has been claimed. A post-credits scene shows Bughuul's image appearing on the super-8 film boxes.
Where can you stream Sinister online?
Sinister is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, and fuboTV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is Sinister based on a true story?
Sinister is not based on a true story. However, co-writer C. Robert Cargill has said the concept originated from a nightmare he had after watching The Ring (2002). The fictional deity Bughuul was created specifically for the film, though the story draws on real folklore traditions surrounding child-consuming spirits.
Who are the main actors in Sinister?
Sinister stars Ethan Hawke as true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt, Juliet Rylance as his wife Tracy, and James Ransone as a well-meaning deputy. Vincent D'Onofrio appears as Professor Jonas, a supernatural expert, while Clare Foley and Michael Hall D'Addario play the couple's children, Ashley and Trevor.
What is Sinister's age rating and content warnings?
Sinister is rated R in the United States. The film contains disturbing depictions of family murders shown through super-8 footage, strong horror violence, child peril, hanging, drowning, and a deeply unsettling supernatural atmosphere. It is not suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive to graphic horror content.
How long is Sinister and when was it released?
Sinister has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It was theatrically released in the United States on October 12, 2012. The film also opened in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2012, and in Canada on October 12, 2012, making it a wide international release during the Halloween season.
Did Sinister receive positive reviews from critics?
Yes, Sinister was well received critically. It holds a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned praise for Ethan Hawke's grounded performance and its genuinely terrifying atmosphere. Critics highlighted the super-8 murder sequences as among the most disturbing in modern horror. It was also a major box office success, grossing over $82 million against a $3 million budget.
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