Arriving with much hype from the US, Sinister is a classic breed of American mainstream horror film that hasn’t been seen for a long, long time.

Tackling the genre with sincerity, Sinister balances the fine line between a clever central conceit, genuine tension, shock scares and witty humour. Taking the now-familiar found footage genre by the scruff of the neck, Sinister tells the story of Ellison – played by Ethan Hawke – the man who finds the footage, which in this case, transpires to be a horrific collection of Super 8 movies, mysteriously left in his new home.

Ellison, as a true crime writer in desperate need of a new hit novel and validation after the fall-out of his biggest success ten years previously, cannot but help be drawn into the world of these mysterious film reels, despite becoming increasingly aware that the demonic forces surrounding his discovery are destroying his soul, his sanity and his immediate family. Hawke brings much needed charisma to the role of a man who places it all on the line to secure his place in publishing history.

By wanting to be modern take on the classic American horror film, it’s refreshing to see director Scott Derrickson play old-school; light on CGI, relying on top-notch sound design and keeping the blood, violence and central monster on the sidelines as much as possible. In fact, when the film does resort to traditional, practical in-camera visual scares (most of which are revealed in the trailer, so avoid that if you can), you suddenly realise how much more effective Sinister is when it simply preys on your ears and imagination.

This isn’t a perfect horror film, despite it’s brilliance and confidence. For example, there are story and plot elements left unexplained that may frustrate some viewers. However, some could also argue that this is because it is merely the curtain-raiser on a much bigger story, still to unfold.

Mention to should also be given to the film’s use of wit and humour, never misplaced and never undermining the scares, emphasising the love of the horror  genre, from both Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill as co-writers. This is most prevalent in Ethan Hawke and The Wire’s James Ransone’s ‘Deputy So And So’ forming a very slick comedy-drama double-act effortlessly from the second act onwards. Indeed, Sinister boasts a fine ensemble from all of the adult and child cast.

At the conclusion it’s European Premiere, Sinister brought down the house at FrightFest, successfully connecting with all the horror fans packing out tonight’s London screening. A film with flaws that never compromises, yet it still managed to blow away the fiercest of horror lovers this weekend flawlessly.