The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I like that you made the movies longer, they are better this way.”
Scott Derrickson's nightmare after watching The Ring sparked the creation of Sinister, a chilling tale that taps into the growing fascination with true crime. Co-written with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill, Derrickson's film follows a true crime writer who moves his family into a house with a brutal past, only to uncover a sinister supernatural force at work. Released in 2012, Sinister arrived just as the true crime craze was gaining momentum, with podcasts and television shows exploring the darker side of human nature. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Nominees series with a conversation about Sinister.
Ethan Hawke's Descent into Darkness
In Sinister, Ethan Hawke delivers a brooding and moody performance as a true crime writer determined to unravel the mystery behind a series of disturbing home movies. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Hawke's character becomes increasingly obsessed, putting his family in danger and blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. We discuss how the film uses jump scares and horrific imagery to create a sense of dread and unease, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Haunted Houses and Demonic Deeds
One of the key points we explore in our discussion is how Sinister subverts the "haunted house" trope. Instead of the horror being confined to a single location, the film has the demon Bughuul's influence follow the family even after they leave the murder house. This raises questions about the logic of Bughuul's actions and whether the film needed to provide a clearer explanation for his behavior. We debate the effectiveness of this approach and how it contributes to the overall sense of unease that permeates the film.
Sinister Sounds and Creepy Kids
  • The film's effective use of sound design and lighting to create a creepy atmosphere
  • The unsettling portrayal of the ghost children and their role in the murders
  • The challenges of working with child actors in horror films and how Sinister handles their creepy scenes
The Verdict on Sinister
Sinister is a film that effectively taps into the growing fascination with true crime and delivers a creepy and unsettling horror experience. While the logic of Buhguul’s actions may not hold up under scrutiny, the film's strong atmosphere, effective scares, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout entry in the horror genre. We have a great time discussing the film's strengths and weaknesses, so check it out and then tune in to hear our full conversation. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.