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The Sinner movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Sinner filmed?

2017

City Locations

South Carolina, New York (USA), Nova Scotia (Canada)

Location Types

Church, Bar, Riverside, Restaurant

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Modern Building, Colonial, Shipping Yard/Dock, Manufactured Home, Rustic

About The Sinner

The Sinner is an American anthology crime drama mystery television series created by Derek Simonds. It follows the investigation of representatives of law enforcement into why people commit and hide violent crimes despite having no apparent motive. The show stars Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, and Christopher Abbott.

The series debuted in 2017 and followed the investigation into why Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel), a young mother with a seemingly perfect life, brutally stabbed a stranger to death on a beach. In the second season, Detective Ambrose (Bill Pullman) returns to his hometown to investigate the mysterious poisoning of a couple while uncovering secrets about the town's inhabitants that they are determined to keep buried.

In the third season, Ambrose delves into a tragic car accident in Upstate New York, unraveling a far more profound and unsettling case concealed within. In the fourth and final season of The Sinner, Detective Ambrose is now retired and travels to northern Maine to recover from what he had experienced in his previous case. Still, he is soon recruited again when tragedy occurs involving the daughter of a prominent family in this small town.

Critics praised The Sinner's gripping mystery stories and superb acting performances throughout its four seasons. It earned nominations for numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film in 2017 for season one, and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Pullman in 2018 for seasons one and two.

The Sinner Locations

The Sinner (2017-2021) has been a great success in terms of production, with the series being shot on location in some of the most beautiful places in North America. For the first three seasons of The Sinner, South Carolina and New York, USA, were used as central shooting locations, with the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown, New York, serving as the fictional Beverwyck Club. However, filming was done mainly in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, for the fourth season of The Sinner.

Lunenberg is a breathtaking port town with a vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. It provides a stunning backdrop for Harry’s getaway to Hanover Island in Northern Maine during episode one of season four. Bluenose Drive is framed by the quaint small fishing boats that dock in this picturesque harbor. Further inland lies an array of colorful buildings along King and Duke Streets with an old-world feel. Historical points of interest include St John’s Anglican Church and other well-preserved heritage sites that comprise this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting these captivating locations where The Sinner was filmed is undoubtedly a worthwhile experience. They are visually stunning and provide insight into local culture and history that can be appreciated while getting lost in its rich stories and legends.

The Beverwyck club scenes in The Sinner

Belvedere Family Church, 723 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, USA

In episode 5, "Part V," Ambrose (Bill Pullman) ventures out of a forested path to this exclusive club, seeking information about individuals who might have had access to the woodland area where a body was discovered. In the following episode, "Part VI," Ambrose brings Cora (Jessica Biel) to the club to trigger her dormant memories. The plot thickens in episode 7, "Part VII," when Cora and Phoebe (Nadia Alexander) join J.D. (Jacob Pitts) and his acquaintances at the club, only to find Frankie Belmont (Eric Todd) waiting.

Situated in Westchester County, the Belvedere Estate, where these crucial scenes were filmed, is an exceptional property sprawling over 25 acres. The estate, resplendent with 1920s-period features, consists of a main house and several smaller structures, including the church, scattered across the property. The site also boasts a wooded area and a bluff overlooking the expansive Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge, offering stunning panoramic views.

Today, the Belvedere Estate is a striking venue for events and meetings. Fans of The Sinner can visit this location relatively easily. If you're coming from within New York, you can take a train or car ride to Tarrytown. If you're traveling from afar, LaGuardia Airport in New York City is the closest major airport.

The courthouse and police department scenes in The Sinner

Mt Pleasant Justice Court, 1 Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla, NY, USA

In the first season, several scenes take place at a notable location – the Somerset County Courthouse and Dorchester Police Department, which in reality is the Mt Pleasant Justice Court in Valhalla.

In episode 1, "Part I," Mason (Christopher Abbott) visits this location to see Cora (Jessica Biel) at the police station. However, he changes his mind and leaves without going inside. The plot thickens in episode 2, "Part II," where Cora attempts to plead guilty in court at the same location, but the judge insists on a competency interview. In episode 3, "Part III," Cora returns to court and initially hesitates, but upon noticing her parents in the audience, she decides to plead guilty.

The Mt Pleasant Justice Court, located at 1 Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla, was the filming site for these pivotal scenes. This court, which might not be open to fans for interior viewing, still offers an exterior view that mirrors the scenes from The Sinner.

If you're in New York, you can take a car or train ride to Valhalla. LaGuardia Airport is the nearest major airport if traveling from outside New York. Please note that as this is an operational court, it's important to respect the proceedings and only view the building from the exterior.

Carl's Taproom scenes in The Sinner

Tara Bar & Grill, 840 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY, USA

Carl's Taproom Bar & Grill plays a significant role in the storyline as the backdrop for several pivotal scenes. This location, in reality, is Tara Bar & Grill, located at 840 Midland Ave, Yonkers.

In episode 2, "Part II," Detective Ambrose (Bill Pullman) visits this bar seeking information about Cora's (Jessica Biel) claimed meeting with Frankie Belmont (Eric Todd). However, he learns that she was there with someone else. The bar reappears in episode 4, "Part IV," where Cora recounts her Fourth of July meeting at the bar, this time identifying J.D. (Jacob Pitts) as the man she left with. In episode 7, "Part VII," Phoebe (Nadia Alexander) persuades Cora to take her to the bar, where J.D. gives Phoebe a pill.

Tara Bar & Grill, where these scenes were filmed, has been a local favorite since 1977. Known for its lively atmosphere, it's a place where patrons come to watch games, share pints and conversations, enjoy live music, participate in karaoke, or relax over a weekend brunch. The establishment remains open to visitors and maintains its appearance from filming.

Travelers can get to Tara Bar & Grill by taking the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal-Harlem Line Station until Fleetwood Station, which will leave you 1.9 miles away from the restaurant location on foot or by taxi/Uber/Lyft ride-sharing services.

Julian gets to Niagara Falls scene in The Sinner

Prospect Point, Niagara Falls, NY, USA

A key scene from the 2nd season's finale episode in the narrative unfolds at the iconic location of Prospect Point, Niagara Falls. In this momentous scene, Julian (Elisha Henig) finally achieves his dream of visiting Niagara Falls without causing harm to anyone on the journey. Concurrently, Heather (Natalie Paul) learns she has a brother, the child of her life's greatest love, although this revelation doesn't visibly impact her.

Niagara Falls, straddling the international border between the United States and Canada, is a renowned tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty. Prospect Point offers spectacular views of the American Falls, one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.

As this is a popular tourist destination, planning and following local guidelines or restrictions is recommended. To get here by car, you must take I-190 North from Buffalo or Queen Elizabeth Wy/QEW from Toronto, which will lead you directly into the state park where Prospect Point is located.

Harry meets Percy at the waterfront scene in The Sinner

Lunenburg Waterfront, 146 Bluenose Dr, Lunenburg, NS, Canada

In the fourth season's opening episode, a noteworthy scene occurs near a picturesque pier. Harry (Bill Pullman) excuses himself from lunch to meet Percy Muldoon (Alice Kremelberg), who works for her family's fishing company. During their conversation, Percy shares her deep connection to nature, intriguingly suggesting that the ocean will soon "speak" to him.

The waterfront spot where Harry encounters Percy is located at the end of Bluenose Drive, in the scenic setting of Nova Scotia. This Canadian province, famed for its stunning Atlantic coastline, is a strategic launch point for expeditions exploring the North, including Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Passage, and Greenland. The Lunenburg Waterfront welcomes visitors around the clock, providing 24-hour access to its scenic beauty and attractions.

To visit this location at the end of Bluenose Drive, you can use navigation services to get directions to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. If you're already in Nova Scotia, a car ride or public transportation can take you to Lunenburg. It typically takes about an hour from Halifax to reach your destination, although this can vary based on traffic conditions.

Harry visits the Golden Fish restaurant scene in The Sinner

Big Red's Family Restaurant, 80 Montague St, Lunenburg, NS, Canada

The fourth season's seventh episode starts at The Golden Fish restaurant. This is where Harry (Bill Pullman) learns from Mrs. Lam (Cindy Cheung) about a suspicious activity witnessed by her husband (Ronin Wong) – a group of men and women being hurriedly transferred from Brandon's (Gharrett Patrick Paon) boat to another. Suspecting human trafficking, Harry subsequently visits the shop owner involved in creating fake IDs for these individuals.

The Golden Fish restaurant, as portrayed in the series, is Big Red's Family Restaurant, located at 80 Montague Street. This well-known establishment, situated in the picturesque village of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, was used for filming. Known for its vibrant colors, Lunenburg's chromatic tone was transformed into a blue and gloomy hue for the series. Unfortunately, Big Red's Family Restaurant is now permanently closed. However, fans can still appreciate the exterior of the building – a recognizable location from the series.

Getting to Lunenburg involves a car ride or public transportation if you're already in Nova Scotia. The nearest major airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which is for those traveling from outside of Nova Scotia. From there, Lunenburg is approximately a one-hour drive.

Conclusion

The diverse landscapes of South Carolina, the urban aura of New York, and the scenic beauty of Nova Scotia were pivotal backdrops for the gripping narrative of The Sinner. South Carolina's serene beaches and lush forests provided an enigmatic setting for crucial scenes, infusing a sense of mystery and intrigue. New York's bustling streets and iconic landmarks added depth to the storyline, capturing the essence of urban complexity and intensity. Furthermore, Nova Scotia's picturesque landscapes and charming locales offered a contrasting yet captivating backdrop, enhancing the series' depth and visual allure.

The seamless integration of these filming locations enriched the visual appeal and significantly shaped the narrative's atmosphere. Each locale, with its distinct characteristics, contributed to the storytelling, creating a compelling tapestry that resonated with audiences worldwide. As The Sinner unfolded its gripping tale, these three diverse filming locations undoubtedly amplified the series' impact, leaving an indelible mark on the storyline and the viewer's experience.