It’s unsettling to encounter a film like *Sinister*, especially given how difficult it’s becoming to assess horror movies. There are so many options available now that catering to everyone feels impossible. Some people insist they'll watch any horror movie without prejudice, but I don't think that’s really the case anymore. I know my own biases get in the way; I find torture and gore films tedious, which makes it hard to judge something like *Hostel 9*, *Saw 27*, or *Wrong Turn 12* fairly. How many ways can a body be sliced up, anyway? Conversely, can someone who enjoys Argento or Roth appreciate a simple ghost story designed to startle viewers? Probably not, but I’m getting off track… *Sinister* is a genuinely creepy film that explores the idea of demons invading our world and causing immense suffering. It doesn't cater to those seeking excessive violence; instead, it focuses on placing a central character in an increasingly dangerous situation, threatening his family—particularly the children—and including occasional jump scares for viewers who enjoy them. The video recordings depicting past crimes are deeply disturbing, and there’s a compelling mystery that keeps you engaged until the very end, which doesn't offer easy answers. Ethan Hawke delivers a strong performance as a man consumed by horror yet driven to uncover the truth, although Juliet Rylance’s portrayal of his wife feels somewhat lacking in genuine emotion. This film won't appeal to horror fans who prefer something different—those who like *Insidious*, for example. While some might say this type of horror doesn’t offer anything new, I wonder what they would want to see instead? I really enjoy this subgenre and consider *Sinister* one of the best examples in recent years. Its positive reputation among those with similar tastes is well deserved...just avoid watching the trailer beforehand! 8/10

Source on TMDB