Why the 2015 sequel to Sinister failed to capture the original film's dark magic
In short: While the 2015 horror sequel Sinister 2 turned a healthy profit, it struggled to replicate the critical acclaim of its predecessor. Critics panned the film for its reliance on tired genre tropes and jump scares, leaving even the original creators questioning the direction the franchise took after the first installment.
Released in August 2015, Sinister 2 expanded the supernatural mythology of the original 2012 film. Directed by Ciarán Foy, the story follows a former deputy investigating the malevolent deity Bughuul, who manipulates children into murdering their families. Unlike the first movie, which utilized 8 mm film to create a visceral, found-footage aesthetic, this sequel incorporated 16 mm film, ham radio broadcasts, and vinyl records to weave its narrative. Despite these stylistic shifts, the production was hampered by a tight schedule and a modest $10 million budget.
The film's reception was largely negative. It holds a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 32 out of 100 score on Metacritic. Reviewers frequently cited an over-reliance on horror clichés and jump scares as major weaknesses, though James Ransone’s performance as the returning deputy received some praise. Commercially, the film was successful, grossing over $53 million worldwide, which was more than five times its production costs. However, this figure fell significantly short of the $82 million earned by the first Sinister.
In the years since its release, the film has faced scrutiny from its own creators. Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote the sequel, has publicly stated that he believes the project moved the franchise in the wrong direction, noting a lack of the intensity and mystery that defined the original. While there have been discussions about potential future installments or even a television series exploring other deities, the legacy of the second film remains a point of contention. Producer Jason Blum has even revealed that a planned crossover with the Insidious franchise was abandoned because the team could not settle on a compelling story.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sinister 2
- Also: Wikidata — Sinister 2 · CC0
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