The most recent one I watched was Obsession, and I thought it was pretty good. However, there is one movie that will always stand out for me no matter what, and that is Sinister. The movie and its sequel were executed to perfection, which is one of the many things that make the movie iconic.
Many other things made the movie brilliant in every way, and this article discusses all those things, so make sure you read all the way to the end.
Even Science Says It’s Scary
No, I’m not kidding.
Scientific research conducted by The Science of Scare Project showed that watching Sinister actually triggers fear in the watcher. This was done by taking a couple of test subjects who were made to watch the movie, and their heart rates were monitored throughout the duration of the movie.
In fact, a couple of other movies were tested as well to see which one triggers the highest heart rate spike.
While other movies averaged 64 bpm (beats per minute), Sinister’s results went up to 86 bpm, and the max it went to was 131 bpm. No other movie was able to come close to that result, which concluded that Sinister instilled the most fear in the watcher.
This alone gives you all the more reason to watch the movie, if you haven’t yet. You can rent or buy both movies on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, but make sure your device is connected to a reliable internet connection so that you have a seamless streaming experience. I use an Xfinity Internet connection and find it great for my streaming needs.
It Has an Engaging Story
The movie revolves around a crime-fiction writer, Ellison, as he struggles to write a new book and needs inspiration for a manuscript. He decides to move into a house with his family, where the previous family had killed themselves by hanging from a tree in the backyard.
However, as he moves in, he finds a box in the attic that has “Super 8” format home movies, and when he plays each of them, he finds a gruesome murder in each of them, with the youngest child of each family missing.
Ellison then works with the local police deputy so that they can uncover the “sinister” secret behind all of the murders. I remember that the movie was so tense, it actually gave me a neckache the first time I watched it.
The Soundtrack is Horrifying
The best part about the movie is that not only are the visuals scary, but so is the soundtrack.
In fact, the music is so bone-chilling that it has you on the edge of your seat while you are watching the movie. If you notice one thing about horror movies, it’s that it isn’t only the visuals that make it scary; the audio builds up to moments that induce anxiety as you watch a scary scene, and you automatically start anticipating that something horrible is about to happen.
The ominous sounds and even the distorted voice add an element to the movie that no other has been able to achieve. In fact, once you listen to the soundtrack, you’ll understand what I’m saying since it is iconic and unique in its own way.
The Ending Is Pretty Good
I won’t spoil it for you, but man, that ending though.
It was something that I wasn’t expecting at all, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way when you watch the movie as well. One of the most essential things of a good horror movie is that it should have a solid ending, and Sinister does perfect justice to it.
Plus, the ending is so scary, it’ll have you thinking about it for days, so you better be prepared beforehand because you have no idea what you’re stepping into.
It Feels Like a True-Crime Movie
Though the movie has more of a supernatural touch to it, it actually feels like a true-crime movie.
As Ellison gathers clues and goes through all the gruesome home movies, he opens a case of his own (despite being an author) and begins working with the local deputy, who is a fan of his work. The best part is that the deputy doesn’t take him as a joke and begins working on the case with him, which is different compared to other horror media.
If you’re a fan of both true-crime movies/shows and supernatural horror, then you’re going to love this movie since it gives you the best of both worlds. This is why the movie is very re-watchable, which means you can watch it multiple times and not get bored with it.
The Super 8 Movies
Keeping the best for last, something that will stick with you is the Super 8 movies.
Though I’ve mentioned them multiple times in the article, they deserve a separate section of their own. As Ellison finds the box of Super 8 movies in the attic, you should understand that that is the point where the movie actually begins.
Once he (and you) watch the movies, you’ll feel your own blood turning ice cold and the hair on your arm curling up.
If you haven’t watched both Sinister movies yet, I recommend that you only watch the movie if you have the stomach for it. If you are a horror movie buff like I am, then I definitely recommend this one, and I urge you to watch them both.
