A young mother and her twin sons move into a rural house that’s marked for death.
Sinister 2, the 2015 sequel to the 2012 horror film Sinister, continues the terrifying story surrounding the demonic entity Bughuul, known for using children’s snuff films to manipulate and kill entire families. The plot follows Courtney, a troubled mother of twin boys, Dylan and Zach, who move into a rural farmhouse to escape her abusive ex-husband. Unfortunately, their escape is short-lived as the house harbors a dark secret: it’s cursed by Bughuul, who seeks to corrupt her sons and lure them into his deadly grip.
As Dylan experiences horrific nightmares, he’s drawn to Bughuul’s dark influence through eerie Super-8 films. These films depict grotesque family murders, including a gruesome sequence involving a church and rats. Meanwhile, Deputy So & So, a character from the first film, becomes obsessed with investigating these murders after failing to prevent the tragedy in the Oswalt case. His investigation brings him to Courtney’s house, where he becomes involved in a tense battle to protect the children from the sinister force lurking in the shadows.
Despite the escalating supernatural tension, Sinister 2 struggles to maintain the same level of horror and mystery that defined the original film. Bughuul’s presence, once terrifying in its ambiguity, becomes more predictable and less chilling in this sequel. The focus shifts to the children’s interactions with the films, which dilutes the fear factor that came from the more subtle horrors of the first movie
Themes of Sinister 2
- Parental Protection and Trauma: The film explores themes of familial trauma, focusing on Courtney’s efforts to protect her children from both her abusive past and the malevolent force that threatens their lives. This mirrors the broader theme of trauma’s lingering effects, showing how the past can revisit and haunt even the most desperate attempts at escape.
- Cycle of Violence: One of the central ideas is how violence perpetuates itself. Just as Courtney’s sons are drawn into Bughuul’s world of violence, they repeat the cycle of abuse that they’ve witnessed, raising questions about how deeply ingrained trauma can shape behavior.
- Supernatural Corruption: Bughuul’s power to manipulate through art—whether through film, music, or drawings—explores the idea that creative mediums can be corrupted to serve dark purposes, turning seemingly innocent activities into conduits for horror
- Abuse and Recovery: The film highlights Courtney’s struggle with the aftermath of domestic violence, showing the difficulty of breaking free from an abusive relationship while simultaneously trying to keep her children safe from an unseen, supernatural force. This adds a layer of psychological horror that complements the supernatural threats
10 Reasons to Watch Sinister 2
- Bughuul’s Return: Fans of the first film will appreciate seeing the return of Bughuul, the terrifying demon who preys on children.
- Creepy Found Footage: The supernatural snuff films are still a highlight, offering unsettling glimpses into gruesome family murders.
- Atmospheric Tension: While it doesn’t have the same mystery as the first film, Sinister 2 still creates a tense, foreboding atmosphere that keeps you on edge.
- Dark Themes: The exploration of domestic abuse and trauma is a complex backdrop that gives the horror a deeper emotional weight.
- James Ransone’s Performance: As Deputy So & So, James Ransone brings a sympathetic yet troubled character to life, offering some emotional depth amidst the terror
- Gruesome Horror: The snuff films in the movie are disturbing, featuring graphic sequences that will satisfy fans of macabre horror.
- Character Development: The dynamic between Courtney and her children, and her evolving relationship with Deputy So & So, offers a bit more depth than typical horror movie characters.
- Darker Supernatural Elements: Bughuul’s corrupting influence over children and the use of art as a medium for evil is an interesting expansion of the original film’s premise.
- Psychological and Supernatural Horror: Sinister 2 blends traditional haunted house scares with psychological horror, offering a layered experience.
- Creepy, Effective Visuals: The unsettling imagery and eerie sounds from the Super-8 films will stay with you long after the movie ends.
What You Might Feel After Watching Sinister 2
Watching Sinister 2 might leave you with mixed feelings. While the film continues the eerie atmosphere of its predecessor, it often leans on predictable horror tropes, which may lessen its overall impact. If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers, you may appreciate the dark, unsettling visuals and the expanded backstory surrounding Bughuul and the sinister forces at play. However, the sequel may not elicit the same sense of dread as the original. Instead of the mystery and tension that defined the first film, you may find yourself feeling fatigued by the more visible and repetitive appearances of Bughuul. There are moments of genuine horror, but the emotional punch isn’t as powerful, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction for those expecting more from the story.
