Director
Ryan Coogler
(BLACK PANTHER, CREED)

Starring
Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Hailee Steinfeld

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is a bold and genre-defying film that masterfully blends historical realism with supernatural horror. Set in 1932 Clarksdale, Mississippi, the narrative follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) who return from World War I and the Chicago underworld to establish a juke joint in their hometown. Their venture takes a dark turn as they confront vampiric forces that connect to their victims through music.

This film acts as several stories all rolled into one. It’s about gangsters with a dash of romance and historical trauma thrown in, and we finish off with some Irish folk singing vampires….because, why not?! Despite just how chaotic and absurd that sounds, something about it just works. You never know where you’re being taken in this cinematic journey, but because of that you’re also never bored.  

The film was also shot in 70mm for IMAX making it a visual feast and the atmospheric storytelling is enriched by Ludwig Göransson’s evocative score, which blends traditional blues with haunting melodies, enhancing the film’s eerie ambiance. Coogler’s direction is both ambitious and meticulous, weaving together themes of resistance, authenticity, and the enduring spirit of Black artistry. ​ Teaming up with Michael B. Jordan seems to work well for the director as he has been a mainstay in Coogler’s feature films, and there is no exception here. There is only one thing better than Michael B. Jordan and that’s TWO Michael B. Jordan’s!!!

Jordan delivers a compelling dual performance, capturing the distinct personalities of the twins with nuance. Newcomer Miles Caton shines as their cousin Sammie, a gifted blues guitarist whose musical journey becomes central to the film’s exploration of cultural appropriation and historical trauma. ​Delroy Lindo is scene stealing as Delta Slim, the veteran, alcoholic blues musician who’ll play any gig if there’s enough booze on offer. Often a central figure in bringing levity when needed to break the intensity throughout.

The thing that works so well for Sinners is that blend of comedic reprieve throughout an air of foreboding tension. The film had me laughing as much as it had me reaching for my wife’s hand for comfort through the jump scares. While some might find the that the melding of genres occasionally leads to uneven pacing, the overall execution should be lauded for its originality and emotional depth. It truly is unlike any other film in recent memory and that in itself is its greatest strength. Sinners stands as a testament to Coogler’s visionary storytelling, offering a poignant and thrilling cinematic experience that resonates with its audience. Not a film to be missed in its cinema release.

Sinners is in cinemas now.