Sinister 2 (2015) is a supernatural horror sequel to the chilling 2012 film Sinister. Directed by Ciarán Foy and written by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, this installment continues the story of the demonic entity Bughuul, expanding his mythology while introducing new victims, new home movies, and even darker family drama.
Detailed Summary
The New Family in Trouble
The story centers on Courtney Collins (Shannyn Sossamon), a mother who flees from her abusive husband, Clint, taking her two young twin sons, Dylan and Zach, to a secluded rural house. Unbeknownst to her, this farmhouse was the site of a gruesome murder connected to Bughuul’s long string of ritualistic killings.
The Sinister Connection
Dylan begins having terrifying nightmares about other children who were murdered by their families. These ghostly children, led by the spirit of a boy named Milo, show Dylan the infamous Super 8 “home movies” that capture Bughuul’s victims committing atrocities. They urge him to watch more, promising that doing so will protect him and his family.
Meanwhile, Ex-Deputy So & So (James Ransone) — the only returning character from the first film — continues his personal crusade to destroy any house connected to Bughuul’s curse. He tracks down Courtney’s new home to burn it before the evil can take root again. However, his mission is complicated when he develops feelings for Courtney and gets entangled in her custody battle.
The Twins and the Temptation
The movie cleverly sets up a psychological battle between Dylan and Zach. While Dylan is terrified and reluctant to watch the films, Zach becomes jealous that the ghost children seem to prefer his twin brother. The dark spirits then begin to manipulate Zach instead, convincing him to become the next chosen child — the one who will murder his family for Bughuul’s twisted ritual.
The Super 8 films in Sinister 2 are particularly disturbing: “Fishing Trip,” “Christmas Morning,” and “Sunday Service” are all grotesque homemade snuff films depicting families being killed in creative but horrifying ways. Each is filmed by one of Bughuul’s corrupted child victims, blending eerie silence with grainy, old-fashioned visuals.
Movie Ending
The film’s climax begins when Clint tracks down Courtney and the boys, intending to forcibly take them home. Deputy So & So intervenes, but Zach, now under Bughuul’s full control, begins recording his own Super 8 film titled “A Trip to the Country.”
Zach sets up the camera and captures the horrifying sequence as he prepares to kill his family. However, Dylan, Courtney, and Deputy So & So fight back, managing to escape from the burning house. In a shocking moment, Zach dies in the fire he started — breaking the ritual before he can finish filming.
But evil doesn’t end there. As Deputy So & So and Courtney flee, they discover that Bughuul’s curse still lingers — the reels of film, destroyed earlier, mysteriously reappear in the motel where they hide. The final moments reveal Bughuul appearing behind Deputy So & So, staring directly into the camera before lunging at him.
The implication is chilling: despite their attempts to destroy the curse, Bughuul’s influence endures. He cannot be stopped; only delayed.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Sinister 2 does not include a post-credits scene. However, a faint sound effect — the crackle of a film reel — can be heard at the very end of the credits, hinting that Bughuul’s presence is still watching. It’s a subtle auditory jump scare meant to leave audiences uneasy as they leave the theater.
Type of Movie
A supernatural horror and psychological thriller, Sinister 2 leans heavily into themes of trauma, family abuse, and manipulation. It’s darker and more emotional than the first movie, though not as critically acclaimed.
Cast
- Shannyn Sossamon as Courtney Collins
- James Ransone as Ex-Deputy So & So
- Robert Daniel Sloan as Dylan Collins
- Dartanian Sloan as Zach Collins
- Lea Coco as Clint Collins
- Tate Ellington as Dr. Stomberg
- Nicholas King as Bughuul (Mr. Boogie)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Tomandandy (Tom Hajdu and Andy Milburn). Their music, filled with distorted sounds, ambient drones, and analog distortions, perfectly mirrors the unsettling nature of the home videos. It continues the franchise’s tradition of using experimental sound design rather than melodic scoring to heighten dread.
Filming Locations
Filming took place primarily in Chicago, Illinois, and surrounding rural areas. The isolated farmhouse setting was chosen for its eerie, lonely atmosphere, intensifying the movie’s claustrophobic feel. The cornfield and decaying church scenes play key symbolic roles — representing isolation and corruption, the perfect hunting ground for Bughuul.
Awards and Nominations
While Sinister 2 did not win major awards, it received nominations from several horror-oriented festivals for its sound design and atmosphere. The film’s technical execution was praised even by critics who found the story weaker than the original.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Ciarán Foy was personally chosen by Sinister creator Scott Derrickson after his work on Citadel (2012).
- The child actors filmed their “Super 8” scenes separately, using real vintage cameras for authenticity.
- The production team studied real film stock degradation to make the home movies look disturbingly realistic.
- James Ransone improvised several of his lines to add dry humor amidst the tension.
- The design of Bughuul’s mask was slightly updated to look more demonic and weathered.
Inspirations and References
The film is inspired by urban legends surrounding haunted media and cursed imagery. Bughuul’s character draws from ancient Mesopotamian demon mythology and Lovecraftian horror — specifically the concept of a god who feeds on children’s souls through visual symbols.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were alternate takes on the ending, including one where Deputy So & So dies during the house fire, and another where Dylan becomes possessed instead of Zach. These were ultimately scrapped for pacing reasons and to keep the door open for a possible third installment (which, so far, has not materialized).
Book Adaptations and Differences
Unlike the first Sinister, Sinister 2 is not based on a book. However, the writers expanded the movie’s mythology using unused ideas from the original script, particularly the concept of Bughuul’s “child recruitment.”
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Dylan’s first encounter with Milo and the ghost children in the basement.
- The Super 8 screening sequence — a mix of dread, innocence, and horror.
- The moment Zach picks up the camera, echoing the children from the first movie.
- The haunting final jump scare with Bughuul emerging from the darkness.
Iconic Quotes
- Courtney: “We’re safe here. No one knows where we are.”
- Deputy So & So: “You don’t fight evil with fire. You erase it.”
- Zach: “They told me what to do. I just had to film it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- In one shot, Bughuul’s face appears for a single frame hidden in the home movie static — a nod to the subliminal imagery from Sinister (2012).
- A newspaper headline mentions “Ellison Oswalt,” referencing the protagonist from the first movie.
- The old church where the ghost children meet is the same location briefly seen in Sinister’s found footage segment “Sunday Service.”
Trivia
- The twin actors Robert and Dartanian Sloan are real-life brothers.
- Bughuul’s appearance was achieved mostly through practical makeup, not CGI.
- The home movie sound design includes reversed children’s laughter and slowed-down pig squeals.
- Producer Jason Blum has stated that the Sinister films are part of a potential shared “Blumhouse universe.”
Why Watch?
If you’re drawn to dark supernatural horror that blends family drama with demonic terror, Sinister 2 delivers. It may not reach the originality of the first film, but it expands the lore, offers disturbing visuals, and deepens the human element through Courtney’s protective mother storyline.
Director’s Other Movies
- Citadel (2012)
- Eli (2019)
