Walking into Sinners, I had no clue what I was getting myself into.
All I knew was: Ryan Coogler directing + Michael B. Jordan starring = automatic 10/10 in my books. But this time, I really should have watched the trailer.
*SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!*
I was expecting an action-thriller with a bit of drama and emotion. Instead, I got a horror film with vampires, ancient curses, and bloody good music, and I loved it!
The film kicks off with a narration of an old legend about “blessed musicians” who can connect souls from the past, present, and future, dead or alive. That’s when I realised: “Wait… is this a horror?” But not the regular ghostly, jumpscare-type horror I usually watch. Sinners was something different.
Set entirely over one fever-dream night in 1932 Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (a phenomenal double role performance by Michael B. Jordan) and their cousin Sammie, a preacher’s son with big musical dreams.
The twins have returned to their hometown to open a juke joint and start fresh. But as the blues pour out of Sammie’s guitar during his debut performance, something evil is triggered.
Vampires, like real, terrifying, soul-hungry vampires, turn the party into a massacre and eventually get burned alive as daylight hits, with only Sammie and Smoke alive.
Michael B Jordan’s Smoke carries the weight of regret and vengeance, while Stack brings swag and passion. Their dynamic is amazing, especially when paired with Hailee Steinfeld’s complex Mary and Wunmi Mosaku’s powerhouse performance as Annie.
And then there’s Sammie, played by newcomer Miles Caton, who was absolutely stellar in his acting debut. He’s the heart of the film, caught between his father, religion and evil.
The post-credit scene hit hard. Old man Sammie, now a music legend, confronts his past when Mary and Stack return because, of course, they’re vampires. Smoke may have let his twin, Stack, live, but the past never stays buried in Sinners.
As for Smoke’s ending – a ciggie in his hand, revenge achieved, a glimpse of heaven with his wife and child. Chef’s kiss.
On a personal note, if I were Sammie and my music summoned literal vampires at my first gig? I’d never pick up a guitar again. That’s trauma. That’s therapy. That’s a career change.
Also, this movie completely changed my view on vampires. I grew up on sexy, brooding teen vampires, the kind you might want to date (or is that just me!?) Sinners has ruined that fantasy for me. Those vampires were terrifying, kinda like culty zombie monsters; they were there to destroy.
For the first time in a long while, I left the theatre feeling slightly scared, and that’s rarely the case. Others in the audience seemed to have the same reaction, as I saw a bunch of people crouching and hiding their faces at various points. Even the moon looked spooky on my way home.
So yeah, Sinners is a haunting story that combines folklore, horror, history, and music into something that will stay in your head long after the credits roll.
Our rating – 4.5/5
