Sinners Review: The Vampiric Lure of Homogeneity
Theatrical Movie Review - Horror/Music
I am seldom at a loss for words, but sometimes something is so overwhelming that I’m not sure how to fully express myself. I felt that way after watching Ryan Coogler’s newest film, Sinners. This movie is billed as a vampire movie, but it is so much more.
The film opens on Sammie (Miles Caton) entering a church, clutching a guitar neck in his hand, his face marred, his clothes bloodied. He is embraced by the pastor, his father, Jedidiah (Saul Williams). We then flash back to the previous day. Sammie is picked up from the church by twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan). They have returned to Mississippi after a time in Chicago and are planning to open up a juke joint. They travel around Delta, collecting people to help with their endeavor.
Part of what makes Sinners work so well is that Coogler takes his time letting us get to know these characters. We spend a full day with Smoke and Stack and the people who come to the Juke. Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) for security, Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) on the piano, Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) the love interest, Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) to cook, and Bo and Grace Chow (Yao and Li Jun Li) to help with advertising. When the film really starts to kick in, we have spent nearly 90 minutes of this 137-minute film with these people and their stories.
Despite making us wait until the third act for the action, I never found myself bored. There is a dance sequence in the second act that is one of the most inventive scenes I’ve seen in a long time. Coogler also creates an incredibly unique kind of vampire in Sinners, one that charms not with sex appeal, but rather with promises of belonging and homogeneity.
Every performance in this movie is filled with intention. Every line is delivered with a thoughtfulness that is evident. Every action is purposeful. Jordan is, of course, the star in his dual roles, but the standout is Caton, making his big-screen debut. He was likely hired for his voice, which is incredible, but his acting was also exceptional.
Sinners is a rich tapestry of themes, giving it high rewatch value. I am certain that I wasn’t able to pick up everything Coogler was laying down, because there wasn’t a frame that wasn’t replete with meaning. But you could watch it just to soak in the music and be perfectly content. And if you decided that you were just there to see a vampire movie, you’re getting that as well. Ultimately, this is a film that operates at the highest caliber on every level. As a note, this film also works clear until the end, so don't leave until it's over.
Ryan Coogler has shown his range as a director. A powerful drama with Fruitvale Station. A brilliant superhero story with Black Panther. And an impressive sequel to a legacy franchise with Creed. And now he is showing his mastery of his craft with Sinners. He’s knocking on our collective doors, and we should absolutely welcome him in.
Rating: 5/5
This review originally appeared in The Dominion Post on April 20, 2025.
Saw it over the weekend—so so good!
Great one Alise!