Ryan Coogler’s latest filmmaking venture, Sinners, is a testament to the creative brilliance that emerges when a filmmaker is unrestrained by convention. After earning acclaim in films like Black Panther and Fruitvale Station, Coogler seems exhilarated by the freedom to experiment. And he does just that with Sinners in which he pushes boundaries with moody, hyper-violent sequences and sexually charged tension that make the film pulsate with raw energy.
Joining forces once again with long-time collaborator Michael B. Jordan, Coogler sets his film against the backdrop of the racially-charged Jim Crow South of the 1930s. Sinners delivers a provocative exploration of morality, systemic oppression, and spirituality through the lens of the supernatural.
Coogler tells the story of two brothers, Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), as they return home after serving in World War I. Having made their mark working for Al Capone in Chicago, their homecoming is anything but quiet. They announce their presence with a violent act that shakes the town, followed by an ambitious plan to open a juke joint that promises to change everything.
Step one is securing a spot and filling it with Irish beer and whiskey, but the true challenge lies in creating a space where the community can thrive. Smoke and Stack recognize that freedom in this town isn’t just about survival; it’s alive in the music. Determined to bring people together, they rally their loved ones and local legends to make the juke joint the heartbeat of the Delta. They enlist their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), legendary bluesman Delta Slim (played by Delroy Lindo), and their childhood friend Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller), who provides both muscle and loyalty.
The brothers also rekindle old flames—Smoke reconnects with his ex-lover Annie (a commanding Wunmi Mosaku, Deadpool & Wolverine), while Stack rebuilds a bond with Mary (Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit). What unfolds is a story of joy, resilience, and freedom as the town embraces the infectious rhythm of the juke joint. Through the pulse of blues and Black culture, Sinners captures the beauty and strength of a community reclaiming its spirit, one soulful note at a time.
Though firmly rooted in the Gothic vampire mythos, Sinners fluidly dips into other genres as well. Suspense, spirituality, morality, and horror all get equal time. The first half of the film is a masterclass in world-building as it constructs a rich and immersive historical tapestry while carefully introducing its supernatural elements.
Then the vampires come! And, boy, do they come! The climax erupts into an electrifying collision of violence, spiritual philosophy, and heart-stopping revelations.
One of the film's most compelling genre innovations is its portrayal of vampires. Abandoning the idea of bloodthirsty predators who exert strength and power over their hapless victims, Coogler’s vampires attempt to reason and cajole via song and verse, adding layers of chilling nuance to their menace. Watching Jack O’Connell’s blood-thirsty Remmick seduce his victims into submission is absolutely… ahem… blood-curdling. This little twist is a much-appreciated nuance to existing vampire lore.
We rarely ever see films set in the 1930s South depicted using bright and brilliantly-saturated colors. However, Coogler, with the assistance of production designer Hannah Beachler, paints a vivid world, giving the historically oppressive South a stunning, contemporary feel with saturated hues that burst off the screen. It’s an absolutely gorgeous film with richly textured details.
At its core, Sinners is a razor-sharp allegory. Coogler uses his metaphor of vampires—not only as otherworldly monsters, but as symbols of systemic racism and exploitation. The bloodsuckers embody spiritual and economic greed, unearthing the truths of a society built on the backs of the oppressed. This allegorical depth elevates the film from simply entertaining, to profoundly meaningful and provocative.
For anyone who has thirsted for a vampire tale with substance, Sinners offers both a feast for the eyes and the mind. Prepare for a film that doesn’t just entertain, but rattles your soul.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 137 mins
Director: Ryan Coogler
Writer: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Miles Caton; Saul Williams; Delroy Lindo
Genre: Horror | Thriller | Drama
Tagline: Dance With The Devil
Memorable Movie Quote: "You keep dancing with the devil... one day he's gonna follow you home."
Distributor: Warner Bros
Official Site:
Release Date: April 18, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
