The sequel to the original horror thriller does not disappoint. 

 

This second installment centers around a single mother, Courtney, and her two sons, Dylan and Zach, taking shelter in an abandoned home – a perfect setup for a horror story. And although succeeding the original ‘Sinister’, this storyline requires little to no familiarity to the first film, which is great for a new audience.

 

Attempting to run away from an abusive husband, Courtney (Shannyn Sossamon) decides to overlook a recent mass murder that took place in the church next to the abandoned home. Not long after the family has moved in, Dylan (Robert Daniel Sloan) begins to have nightmares that later turn into reality, as a supernatural evil (a mute boogeyman) attempts to coax him into leaving his innocence. Simultaneously, an Ex-Deputy (James Ransone) becomes entangled in the story as he races for a solution to kill the supernatural force. The buildup becomes a cat-and-mouse game, growing more and more intense as the plot moves on.

 

Overall, the film encompasses a good structure in framing of the story and including traditional horror elements. There were moments of nervous anticipation and fear throughout, and surprisingly too, comedic relief and a romantic affair. The cast is also nothing short of spectacular, real life brothers Robert Daniel and Dartanian Sloan make for a believable dynamic while James Ransone’s performance showcases his experienced acting ability. Although well balanced, a few things could have been done to make this a better film, such as a more dramatic ending or a better visual experience in graphics along with a soundtrack.

Sinister 2 is in theaters August 21.