Article Summary
Sinister takes inspiration from the popular horror film The Ring, sharing similarities in aesthetic and storytelling choices.
Both movies showcase characters stumbling upon unsettling footage that plunges them into a horrifying nightmare and leads to dire consequences.
While The Ring presents a subtle ghost story, Sinister intensifies the concept and visual style, resulting in a more brutal, unsettling, and chilling film.
Sinister is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding horror films of the 2010s, delivering spine-chilling scares that are truly unmatched within that decade. This Ethan Hawke-led masterpiece bears striking resemblances to the 2002 horror flick The Ring, to the point where it seems inconceivable that the former could exist without the latter. A decade prior to Bughuul (portrayed by Nick King) plaguing families and instilling fear through his disturbing Super 8 films, it was Samara Morgan (played by Daveigh Chase) who haunted unsuspecting victims with terrifying phone calls, forewarning them of their imminent demise within seven days. The shared aesthetic and narrative choices between these two films undeniably guarantee an incredibly unnerving and sinister horror double feature. Interestingly enough, C. Robert Cargill, the writer of Sinister, drew his inspiration (and fear) from the Naomi Watts-led horror flick.
'The Ring' Gave 'Sinister' Screenwriter C. Robert Cargill a Nightmare
The Ring, a remake of the Japanese film Ringu, sparked the explosive popularity of its franchise. Sinister drew inspiration from this well-known horror movie, rather than a random obscure one. Both movies share a dark and ominous atmosphere, setting the stage for impending doom. Additionally, both films revolve around characters who stumble upon disturbing footage never intended for viewing. Rachel Keller (played by Watts) in The Ring and Ellison Oswalt (played by Hawke) in Sinister watch the cursed films they discover, plunging themselves into a nightmarish horror that lasts nearly two hours. Both protagonists must navigate numerous obstacles to escape their individual curses. However, as horror movies go, things don't neatly resolve themselves. Both films conclude in grim circumstances, with Sinister being even bleaker. The Ring introduced the concept of a viral curse transmitted through media, which Sinister not only embraced but expanded upon. In an interview with Complex, Cargill describes how The Ring profoundly affected him, leading to a nightmare in which he found himself surrounded by Super-8 film reels containing footage of a family being hanged. This haunting experience inspired the creation of Sinister.
The Ring was not just a passing fad, it successfully captured the eerie essence of its source material and brought this visual and narrative style to the United States. With a significantly increased budget, the film was able to fully explore different locations and incorporate terrifying horror elements. While Ringu can be considered one of the pioneers of analog horror films, The Ring brings a grandiose and epic feel to the tale of a cursed VHS tape. Despite maintaining the characteristic grainy visuals, gloomy settings, and a profound sense of despair, Verbinski's blockbuster approach adds a larger scale and an intuitive touch. While Sinister may be more prominent in contemporary discussions due to its recent release, The Ring possesses a more intriguing and spine-chilling curse. If you desire a film that excels in creating a haunting atmosphere and inducing chills, then look no further than this 2002 movie (or even better, opt for Ringu!).
'Sinister' Makes 'The Ring's Premise Even More Disturbing
Image via Lionsgate Films
In contrast, Sinister magnifies every element we witnessed in The Ring by tenfold. Scott Derrickson's film is not only more intense, disturbing, and eerie than Verbinski's creation, but it also delves into deeper levels of violence and despair. The disconcerting power of the Super 8 films Oswalt uncovers surpasses the unsettling nature of the tape from The Ring. Much like The Ring, the world of Sinister is perpetually drenched in rain, infused with a never-ending sense of gloom. The Oswalt family fails to find solace, as the film's supernatural malevolence seems to lurk around every corner. Ultimately, all these elements converge to deliver one of the most profoundly unsettling conclusions ever witnessed in a horror movie.
The Kellers may not have a happy ending in The Ring, but that pales in comparison to the shocking conclusion of this film. In a Complex interview, Derrickson acknowledged, "A horror movie loses its lasting impact if it concludes with a predictable, upbeat ending where the protagonist triumphs effortlessly." While you may have a personal preference for The Ring, it's undeniable that Sinister takes the same core concept and style and transforms it into something much darker. If you seek the ultimate horror movies that delve into the lives of cursed and sorrowful individuals, both The Ring and its even more intense counterpart, Sinister, should be at the top of your list. The former provides all the necessary thrills, while the latter leaves a lasting sense of shock that lasts for days. Regardless of personal preference, The Ring deserves recognition for introducing this type of story to the mainstream.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have a deep appreciation for horror movies, and I find the influence of "The Ring" on "Sinister" to be fascinating. The similarities between the two films are undeniable, and it's clear that "Sinister" screenwriter C Robert Cargill drew heavily from "The Ring" when crafting his own story. Both films feature characters who stumble upon unsettling footage that plunges them into a horrifying nightmare, and both films feature a dark and ominous atmosphere that sets the stage for impending doom.
However, I believe that "Sinister" takes the concept of a cursed film to a new level of intensity and brutality. The Super 8 films that Ellison Oswalt discovers are far more disturbing than the VHS tape in "The Ring," and the film's overall tone is more unsettling and bleak. I also appreciate the way that "Sinister" expands upon the idea of a viral curse transmitted through media, as this adds an additional layer of fear to the story. Overall, I believe that "Sinister" is a worthy successor to "The Ring," and I highly recommend it to fans of horror cinema.
