Directed by
Ciaran Foy
Made by
Focus Features
Discover the intricate plot of Sinister 2 (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In Sinister 2, the film departs from the use of Super 8 footage like its predecessor, instead incorporating various found footage mediums including vinyl records, a ham radio, and 16mm film. The eerie tale initiates with a chilling 16mm home movie showing three individuals bound to crosses in a desolate cornfield. Suddenly, one of these crosses ignites, resulting in a horrific death.
The story unfolds with Deputy So & So, previously seen in the first film, now navigating life outside the law enforcement. He frequents a Catholic confession booth, where it becomes evident he has left his role as a deputy following the harrowing Oswalt case. Instead, he has taken on the mantle of a private investigator and spends his time extinguishing properties he suspects have been tainted by the sinister presence of Bughuul.
Meanwhile, we meet Courtney, a devoted mother to twin boys, Dylan and Zach, as she faces terrifying trials. While shopping, she suddenly finds herself being stalked by an unscrupulous pervert employed by her abusive ex-husband to locate her family. In a tense escape, she makes her way to a rotting farmhouse that has offered them refuge for some time. Here, young Dylan is plagued by nightmares, aided by his unsettlingly not-so-imaginary friend Milo (one of Bughuul’s past victims). Milo guides him through several gruesome 16mm snuff films that display families meeting their brutal ends: one tale features a family devoured by alligators (Fishing Trip), another presents a chilling scene of a family freezing to death in a snowstorm (Christmas Morning), adding visceral horror to their already grim lives.
As Zach’s demeanor turns increasingly aggressive—hurling insults at his family and demonstrating violent tendencies reminiscent of their father—the tension escalates. In a fateful encounter, Deputy arrives with the intent to purge the farmhouse but is stopped by Courtney, who, upon understanding the misunderstanding, invites him in for coffee. They bond over their traumatic pasts—her son’s suffering reflecting his own childhood trauma. With shared secrets over drinks on the porch, she reveals her wish for him to be a father figure for her boys, culminating in a brief kiss that hints at a growing connection.
The next day, Deputy So & So seeks out Dr. Stromberg, who sheds light on the eerie disappearance of Professor Jonas from the first film and a disturbing HAM radio recording of a child recounting the horrors of family annihilation with the chilling phrase, > “I can’t hear Bughuul over your yelling, mom!” This revelation leads to the understanding that Bughuul feeds off artistic expressions.
As Courtney and her sons face further threats from Clint, her abusive ex, and Zach falls under Bughuul’s sinister influence, the situation spirals. In a shocking twist, Zach, possessed by the malevolent spirit, films a horrific act—druing his family, tying them to crosses, and setting one ablaze with Clint as the target. The Deputy arrives just in time to intervene but faces Clint’s wrath. Ultimately, Clint meets a fiery fate, yet as chaos unfolds, possessed Zach threatens their escape, supported by an unholy force of dead children wreaking havoc.
In a desperate attempt to save his newfound family, the Deputy confronts the malevolent figures and makes a heart-wrenching choice to shatter the camera trapping them all within its malevolent gaze, obliterating Zach’s connection to Bughuul. Yet, despite his efforts, as they attempt to flee, the specter of Bughuul looms large.
As they drive away, haunted by the night’s events, the Deputy encounters an ominous reminder of their harrowing battle—a HAM radio that unleashes the voices of the deceased children chanting ominously, hinting at the encroaching doom with chilling clarity: “It’s the kids! …DEPUTY!!!” Ultimately, it’s insinuated that the evil they fought against claims another soul, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of dread and uncertainty.
Track the key events of Sinister 2 (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Opening Scene
The film begins with a disturbing 16mm home movie depicting three individuals bound to crosses in a desolate cornfield. The shocking scene escalates when one of the crosses suddenly ignites, resulting in a horrific death that sets a foreboding tone for the events that follow.
Deputy So & So's New Life
Deputy So & So, a character from the first film, struggles to adapt to life after the traumatic Oswalt case. He has abandoned his law enforcement position and now works as a private investigator, focusing on properties he believes are haunted by the malevolent spirit Bughuul.
Courtney's Struggles
Courtney, a devoted mother to twins Dylan and Zach, faces distressing challenges as she navigates life away from her abusive ex-husband. While shopping, she recognizes she's being stalked by a twisted pervert hired by her ex to track her down, leading her to a frantic escape.
Arrival at the Farmhouse
Courtney finds refuge in a decrepit farmhouse where she and her sons are trying to escape the turmoil of their lives. The farmhouse shows signs of decay, yet it becomes a temporary sanctuary for the family, shadowed by the horrors of their past.
Dylan's Nightmares
Young Dylan begins to suffer from nightmares that are influenced by Milo, an unsettling and not-so-imaginary friend. Milo introduces Dylan to a series of gruesome 16mm snuff films showcasing brutal family deaths, deepening the film’s chilling atmosphere.
Zach's Aggression
As the film progresses, Zach's behavior grows increasingly hostile, lashing out at his family and echoing the violent tendencies of their father. His anger adds to the already heightened tensions within the household as the family's dynamics shift violently.
A Chance Meeting
The deputy arrives at the farmhouse with intentions to purge it of evil. However, a misunderstanding leads to a conversation with Courtney over coffee, during which they bond over shared traumas, leading to a moment of intimacy that hints at potential romance.
Dr. Stromberg's Insights
The next day, Deputy So & So visits Dr. Stromberg, who reveals disturbing details about a HAM radio recording that features a child narrating family annihilation. The chilling phrase, 'I can't hear Bughuul over your yelling, mom!' highlights Bughuul's influence on children's realities.
Threats from Clint
As Courtney faces increasing dangers from her abusive ex, Clint, the family's situation becomes dire. Meanwhile, Zach is under Bughuul's dark influence, leading to a sinister culmination of events that threaten their safety.
Zach's Transformation
In a shocking twist, Zach, now fully possessed by Bughuul, films himself committing horrific acts against his family. He binds them to crosses and sets one ablaze, targeting Clint, demonstrating the overwhelming power of the evil spirit that has taken hold of him.
The Deputy's Intervention
Deputy So & So arrives in time to confront the chaos, attempting to save Courtney and her sons from Clint and Zach's violent entrapments. But he faces Clint's wrath as he tries to rectify the horrific circumstances unfolding at the farmhouse.
Clint's Fiery Fate
In a dramatic climax, Clint meets a fiery end thanks to Zach and the chaos derived from the malevolent forces at play. As the situation escalates, the family finds themselves entangled in an increasingly dangerous and supernatural struggle.
Desperate Measures
In a desperate bid to save his newfound family and free Zach from Bughuul's grasp, the Deputy shatters the camera that binds them to the spirit's gaze. Despite his efforts, the fearsome specter of Bughuul still looms over them as they attempt to escape.
Final Escape
As the Deputy and Courtney drive away from the farmhouse, they are haunted by the dark memories of the night's events. An ominous reminder emerges when a HAM radio bursts to life, unleashing the eerie voices of deceased children, signaling that their fight against evil is far from over.
Lingering Dread
The film concludes, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of dread. With the chilling chant of the dead children's voices echoing in the background, it becomes clear that the sinister presence of Bughuul continues to threaten their lives and those of others.
Meet the characters that bring Sinister 2 (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Deputy So & So (James Ransone)
Once a dedicated deputy, he is now a private investigator grappling with the traumatic aftermath of the Oswalt case. His character is marked by a deep sense of guilt and responsibility, prompting his quest to rid the evil from haunted properties. His growing bond with Courtney hints at a need for connection and healing.
Courtney
A devoted mother struggling to protect her twin boys from their abusive father and the supernatural threats that haunt them. Her character embodies resilience as she navigates the terrifying challenges posed by Bughuul and her past. Her relationship with the Deputy hints at a desire for safety and familial connection.
Zach
As one of Courtney's twin sons, Zach's character is deeply affected by the terrifying circumstances and his father's abusive legacy. His transformation under Bughuul's influence demonstrates the struggle between innocence and the corrupting power of evil. This internal conflict adds depth to his character's tragedy.
Dylan
The other twin, Dylan experiences surreal nightmares and encounters with Milo, manifesting the horror their family faces. His innocence stands in stark contrast to the dark events surrounding him. Dylan's characterization brings an element of sorrow as he grapples with his fears and the looming presence of Bughuul.
Uncover the settings of Sinister 2 (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's timeline is contemporary but focuses on timeless themes of trauma and evil that transcend specific eras. While events are grounded in the present day, the chilling effects of Bughuul's influence relate back to ancient fears surrounding family and mortality.
Location
desolate cornfield, rotting farmhouse
The desolate cornfield serves as a haunting backdrop for the sinister events, shrouded in darkness and isolation. It is known for its eerie stillness, often symbolizing entrapment. The rotting farmhouse, a refuge for the family, adds to the grim atmosphere, embodying decay and neglect while holding dark secrets within its walls.
Explore the core themes of Sinister 2 (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family Trauma
Family trauma runs deep within the narrative, particularly through Courtney's experiences and the haunting pasts of both the Deputy and her sons. The cycle of abuse and fear emerges, highlighting how past horrors shape current realities. Through the malevolent force of Bughuul, the film explores how trauma can manifest both psychologically and physically.
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Supernatural Influence
The movie delves into the theme of supernatural influence, primarily through Bughuul, who preys on the vulnerable. This theme is expressed through the sinister connection between Zach and the malevolent spirit, demonstrating how evil can corrupt and control. The supernatural acts as a catalyst for the characters' actions, leading to terrifying consequences.
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Investigation
The Deputy's transformation into a private investigator showcases the theme of seeking truth amidst horror. His quest to uncover the origins of Bughuul and his past continues to connect him with the traumatic events of the Oswalt case. The investigation highlights the blurred lines between the law and personal vengeance.
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