Sinister (2012) is a supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and written by C. Robert Cargill. The film follows a true-crime writer, Ellison Oswalt, as he uncovers a terrifying secret while researching his latest book. Sinister blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, and is known for its tense atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and chilling soundtrack.

Plot Overview:

The film centers on Ellison Oswalt (played by Ethan Hawke), a true-crime writer who moves his family into a new home in an effort to research his next book. He hopes to uncover a compelling story about a family who was murdered in the house—an event that has remained unsolved. However, as Ellison investigates, he discovers a series of old home movies in the attic, which depict the brutal killings of several families, all of whom once lived in the house. As he watches the films, he begins to notice a disturbing figure lurking in the background of the footage—an ancient, demonic entity known as "Bughuul."

Ellison’s obsession with the case intensifies as he discovers that Bughuul, a pagan deity, feeds on the souls of children, and that each of the murdered families’ children vanished shortly after the deaths. The deeper Ellison digs, the more he uncovers a sinister pattern connecting the murders to his own family. As the supernatural occurrences escalate, Ellison’s family becomes increasingly endangered, and he begins to lose his grip on reality.

Key Themes:

1. Obsession and Consequences: Ellison’s obsession with solving the case and writing his book leads him down a dark path, causing him to neglect the safety of his own family. The film examines how obsession with success or fame can have dangerous, unintended consequences.
2. The Supernatural and Paganism: Sinister introduces Bughuul, an ancient deity from pagan mythology who consumes the souls of children. The concept of Bughuul’s malevolent influence highlights the idea of ancient evil forces that transcend time and space, lingering in the background of human history.
3. Guilt and Parental Responsibility: Ellison’s failure to protect his family from the dangers he uncovers is a central theme. His personal guilt and the strain on his relationship with his wife, Tracy (Juliet Rylance), add emotional depth to the horror elements.
4. The Power of Found Footage: A major aspect of the film is the discovery of old home movies, which are central to the plot. These found footage scenes are integral to the horror, showing the murders in chilling detail and allowing the audience to witness the terror through Ellison’s eyes.

Notable Aspects:

• Bughuul (The Sinister Entity): The figure of Bughuul, the ancient demon, is the most iconic part of the film. With his ghastly appearance—pale skin, blackened eyes, and dark, hollow features—Bughuul creates an unnerving presence, made even more disturbing by his ability to manipulate and torment children.
• The Home Movies: The grainy home movie footage of the murders is one of the most effective elements of the film. The shocking violence, combined with the presence of Bughuul, intensifies the horror and adds to the eerie atmosphere.
• Sound Design and Score: Sinister is known for its effective use of sound, particularly the haunting and unsettling score composed by Christopher Young. The sound design plays a major role in creating tension, particularly during moments of suspense or horror.
• Ethan Hawke’s Performance: Ethan Hawke delivers a strong performance as Ellison, capturing the character’s gradual descent into obsession and madness. His portrayal is crucial in making the film's emotional core believable and relatable.

The Ending:

The film’s ending is a shocking and tragic twist. Without giving too much away, Ellison's investigation into the murders leads him to a horrifying realization about his own family’s fate. The final moments suggest that the evil force of Bughuul has claimed another victim, leaving the door open for potential sequels.

Impact and Legacy:

Sinister was praised for its atmosphere, tension, and its ability to deliver scares without relying on gore or jump scares. It became a critical and commercial success, cementing its place as one of the standout horror films of the 2010s. The film's success led to a sequel, Sinister 2 (2015), although it was not as well received.

Sinister remains a popular and influential film in the supernatural horror genre, and its depiction of Bughuul has become a memorable symbol of modern horror. The film's chilling premise and haunting visuals make it a must-watch for fans of slow-burn horror.