Two brothers return to their hometown looking to reacquaint with their roots. But their homecoming houses some unimaginable horrors. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a breathtakingly beautiful and captivating story that takes an action-packed blood-thirsty twist. Delivering one of the best films of the year.
In the 1930s, twins Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) have abandoned the bustling streets of Chicago to return to their small town in Mississippi. Looking for a fresh start, they reconnect with old friends to get a juke joint together. Asking their talented cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to bring music to the place. However, their entrepreneurial spirit is not met with a warm welcome. Dealing with difficult memories, Jim Crow laws, and an evil force neither could have prepared for.
Sinners reunites Coogler and Jordan, having previously worked together on Black Panther and Creed. And they’ve delivered to audiences a period action-horror that’s a cinematic spectacle in every way. Soaked in a rich culture that feels like a celebration of the music at its core. The film is a stunning feat of storytelling with multiple themes cleverly woven in. All under an ominous vampiric cloud.
It almost takes place in two halves. The first is a slower-paced story that allows us to get settled into who these brothers are and the people from their past. But it also offers a powerful reminder of what 1930s America looked like for people of color. While the film holds strong onto themes of racism—even feeling pertinent to today—it contextualizes its story in different ways to celebrate music and community. And it’s the soul of the story and its characters that uplift so much of the film, even when all hell breaks loose.
Much is led by Jordan, of course, as he portrays two distinct characters. And he is magnetic. The brothers have a dynamic that feels complex yet delicate and they’re so intriguing to watch. By the end, you feel extremely connected to them, a testament to both the script and the actor. But the film is stacked with many captivating performances.
Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country, Loki) is an absolute goddess and a beacon of light for the story. Helping to make sense of what’s transpiring. But beyond that, she brings so much heart to the film in a beautifully unexpected way. I just adored her performance.
Then we have the opposite with Delroy Lindo, who plays Slim, a wisecracking loveable drunk. He gets some of the more comedic lines, and his delivery is delightful.
There’s also a memorable introduction to Miles Caton, who plays Sammie, his first film role. The young actor not only delivers on the acting front but also musically. One of the biggest themes is blues music. And Miles is an amazing singer who captures the spirit of the genre so well.
But let’s get on the topic of vampires because this is a tale about blood-sucking creatures. This marks the first horror movie for Coogler. He’s great with action, but I was intrigued to see how he would tie that into the horror elements. By no surprise, he succeeds, and there is an epic battle that is so thrilling to watch. Shifting from such a touching period drama to an all-out action horror. It’s reminiscent of Robert Rodriguez‘s From Dusk Till Dawn but without feeling derivative.
Sinners is a stunning feat for Coogler. He crafts a nuanced and rich story that thrusts itself into vampiric action, no element spared. You have a gorgeous score by Ludwig Göransson and a soundtrack that blends soulful blues with aspects of modern music. And cinematography that is truly a feast for the eyes.
The film does a beautiful thing throughout, tying into not just blues and its history. But also—even though set in the 1930s—how blues has impacted various genres since its inception. One scene in particular visualizes that and is enchanting, breaking into a surrealist moment. Undoubtedly, one of my favorite scenes in any film from this year.
Coogler gives you much to think about, experience, and dissect, even when it veers into an entertaining thrill ride. If you love action, if you love period dramas, if you love horror — it’s all of that just wrapped in a beautiful package.
Sinners is in theaters now
Jordy Reviews It 
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