Set in early 1900s America, “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves deep into a world where crime, racism, supernatural elements, and music collide. If you’re seeking a traditional horror movie, this is not it. “Sinners” is something far more complex — a supernatural adventure thriller wrapped in a coming-of-age story that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
I watched the film on a Saturday night, left the theater thinking I liked it, but over the next two days, I realized I absolutely loved it. The scenes, the music, and the performances stayed with me in ways I didn’t expect, and as I reflect, I realize how much this film continues to resonate.
A Journey Through Time and Sound
One of the standout elements in Sinners is its brilliant use of music, especially the blues. The film opens with the line: “There are legends of people with the gift of making music.” It’s a foreshadowing of the pivotal role music plays throughout the story. Music, in this world, holds the power to bridge the past, present, and future — even between worlds like heaven and hell. Coogler captures this beautifully in a sequence where a character plays the guitar and sings, which leaves you mesmerized. It’s hard to describe in words, but the five-minute scene remains one of the most powerful moments I’ve seen in cinema in a long time.
The Complex and Captivating Characters
The narrative centers around the life of twins Smoke and Stack, played to perfection by Michael B. Jordan. Often in films, twins are written as opposites — two very distinct personalities to highlight their differences. However, in Sinners, Coogler flips that expectation. Both characters have a subtlety in their performances that makes them feel real and layered. Smoke is the more flamboyant of the two, but his carefree demeanor hides a painful past. Stack, on the other hand, is more uptight and serious, largely due to the grief he hasn’t experienced yet.
Their dynamic is beautiful to watch, as they care for each other deeply, but also have personal emotional barriers that shape their interactions. Their individual relationships with the women in their lives — especially with their cousin, Sammy Preacher Boy, a guitar prodigy — are deeply emotional and nuanced.
A Film About More Than Just the Twins
Despite the strong focus on the twins, Sinners is essentially a coming-of-age story for Sammy Preacher Boy (played by Miles Kaiton), a young man who blows everyone away with his singing. The film captures his journey from an aspiring musician to someone caught up in a world full of supernatural forces. Kaiton’s voice is absolutely stunning, and his performance elevates the entire film, making his character one of the most unforgettable aspects of Sinners.
But it’s not just about the men in this story. The women, too, are brilliantly portrayed. Haley Steinfeld plays a controlled and understated role that adds depth to the film. Wunmi Mosaku also stands out as Smoke’s wife, whose emotionally complex relationship with him is portrayed with remarkable subtlety and depth.
Themes of Supernatural Horror and Social Struggles
Although Sinners has elements of supernatural horror, it doesn’t follow the typical path of a creature flick or a haunted house story. Instead, it slowly builds tension through the first half, keeping you on edge as you wait for the supernatural elements to take center stage. Once they do, the film shifts gears into a thrilling fight for survival, which is both exhilarating and heart-pounding.
Amidst all of this, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing serious themes like racism, the clash between good and evil, and the struggles of the early 1900s in America. It’s a beautifully woven narrative that blends the emotional depth of the characters with the horror and supernatural elements seamlessly.
The Genius of Coogler and His Team
Ryan Coogler’s direction is impeccable. He handles a variety of elements — from the emotional arcs of the characters to the supernatural creatures that emerge — with incredible skill. The pacing of the film allows time for the characters to breathe before diving into the more intense action sequences. The supernatural creatures themselves are brilliantly designed, making every scene filled with tension and uncertainty.
Ludwig Göransson’s score is another standout. After his Oscar-winning work on Oppenheimer, Göransson once again proves he is a genius at creating music that elevates a film’s emotional impact. The sound design is incredible, making every moment feel alive with tension and beauty.
The cinematography is equally impressive, especially in how light and shadow are used to create moods. Whether it’s the dimly lit cabins or the wide open spaces, each frame is meticulously crafted to pull you deeper into the world of Sinners.
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Film
Sinners is unlike anything I’ve seen in recent years. It’s not just a horror film, a creature flick, or a musical. It’s an intricately woven tapestry of supernatural elements, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling. If you’re looking for something more than the typical genre film, this is the one to watch.
Go see Sinners in theaters, preferably in IMAX, to fully experience its grandeur. It’s a film that demands to be seen on a big screen with top-notch sound. Highly recommended!
If you’ve already seen Sinners, let me know your thoughts! Did it leave as big an impression on you as it did on me?
Stay tuned for more reviews and recommendations from The Filmy Fool!