Sinister

| 2012

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Main Plot

Sinister follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt, who moves his family into a new home that was the site of a gruesome murder. Seeking inspiration for his next book, he discovers a box of old home movies in the attic, which depict the violent deaths of several families. As he investigates further, Ellison becomes increasingly obsessed with the footage and the dark history of the house. He learns about a mysterious entity linked to the murders, which seems to be influencing his family and causing disturbing occurrences. As he delves deeper into the past, Ellison struggles to protect his loved ones from the sinister forces at play, leading to a chilling confrontation with the malevolent presence that haunts their lives. The film explores themes of obsession, the impact of violence, and the consequences of uncovering dark secrets.

Characters

  • Ethan Hawke plays Ellison Oswalt, a true-crime writer who discovers disturbing home movies, leading his family into a series of supernatural events.
  • Juliet Rylance plays Tracy Oswalt, the supportive wife of true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt, who becomes increasingly concerned about her husband's obsession with a series of grisly murders.
  • James Ransone plays Deputy So-and-So, a local deputy who assists the protagonist by providing crucial information about the mysterious deaths and the supernatural occurrences.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Sinister, the protagonist, Ellison Oswalt, uncovers the horrifying truth behind the home movies he has been investigating. These films depict the gruesome murders of various families, all linked to a sinister entity known as Bughuul. As Ellison delves deeper, he realizes that Bughuul has a pattern of luring children to commit horrific acts against their families, ultimately leading to their own demise. The climax occurs when Ellison's own family becomes targeted by Bughuul. Despite his desperate attempts to protect them, he is unable to prevent the tragic fate that befalls his wife and children. In a chilling twist, it is revealed that his son, influenced by Bughuul, has become the next vessel for the entity's malevolent intentions. The film concludes with Ellison's death at the hands of his son, who has been completely overtaken by Bughuul's influence. This ending resolves the main conflict by illustrating the inescapable nature of the evil that Ellison sought to understand. It connects to the overall narrative by emphasizing the themes of obsession and the consequences of delving too deeply into darkness, ultimately showcasing how curiosity can lead to one's destruction.

Scott Derrickson Horror Mystery Thriller Ethan Hawke Juliet Rylance James Ransone