Review of Sinister (2012) by Robert H — 03 Sep 2015

Sinister was quite surprising. While most people tend to focus on the snuff film aspect of this flick (which I enjoyed) I think that it's the tension and suspense that is used extremely well in this movie that makes it worthwhile.

The entire first half of the film gives us a film where tension reigns supreme. Ethan Hawke plays a writer who for some strange reason doesn't turn on lights when spooky stuff starts happening. While this kinda bothered me, you do get used to it after awhile and it does add to the tension (darkness is spookier than being in the light).

Once things are revealed the film takes a more direct route. There is more focus on delivering a jump scare rather than the long drawn out spookiness of the first half. And there is more action and eventually revelation so it is somewhat understandable.

I will honestly say that I truly enjoyed the film. I thought the concept was good, the acting and delivery on said concept was above average, and the focus on tension and suspense over gore, jump scares, and action was a welcomed change. While not overly obvious, there is a clear nod to The Shining happening in Sinister... and that's not a bad thing.