Ryan Coogler’s newest film, Sinners, has hit theaters with a bang, breathing new life into the blockbuster experience and reinventing the vampire genre in bold and unexpected ways. Set against the haunting backdrop of the 1930s Jim Crow era Mississippi Delta, the film blends Southern Gothic atmosphere, supernatural horror, and gritty drama into a must-see cinematic journey. At the heart of the story is Sammi Moore, also known as Preacher Boy, a young man with dreams of becoming a blues musician. Caught between his humble roots and artistic ambition, Sammi lives under the control of his stern father, who sees music as a distraction from the church. To earn a moment of freedom, Sammi wakes up early and picks his cotton quota so he can perform at the grand opening of his cousin’s new juke joint. Enter the Smoke Stack Twins, Elijah Smoke Moore and Elias Stack Moore, both portrayed with intensity and nuance by Michael B. Jordan in a stunning double performance. After seven years of criminal activity in Chicago, they return to their hometown hoping to start fresh. But the trouble they are running from is not the kind you can simply escape, and what follows is a descent into a darker, blood-soaked legacy.
Of course, I have to talk about the double role and how phenomenal Michael B. Jordan is in it. As Smoke, he is precise, stern, tactical, and business-minded. He does not smile much, often watching the crowd and staying attentive to the money moving around the room. He is the hardened brother, shaped by struggle into someone deeply focused and powerful. In contrast, Stack is fun-loving, outgoing, and charismatic, a gangster who thrives in chaos and seems to enjoy every second of it. The subtle differences in their wardrobe add to this dynamic, with their distinct hats and suits suggesting their affiliations with the Italian and Irish mobs. Together, they form a dangerous duo capable of almost anything. But are they ready to face a congregation of bloodthirsty vampires?
Jack O’Connell plays the lead vampire, Remmick, with matched charisma and a chilling sense of curiosity. His Irish background blends unexpectedly well with the Southern Black culture the film is soaked in, while still making him feel like an outsider in every sense. One of my favorite scenes features Remmick and his followers singing haunting Irish folk songs. It felt like watching a cult at play, their carefree melodies masking something far more sinister beneath the surface. The vampire effects were impressively executed. With their elongated claws and jagged fangs, they tear through victims in the juke joint with terrifying ease. I especially loved the glowing red eyes, reminiscent of the replicants in ‘Blade Runner’, a soft glow in the dark that could easily be mistaken for fireflies. It was the kind of eerie touch that made the night feel alive with something dangerous, like a place Roy Batty would have felt right at home.
Hailee Steinfeld’s performance as Mary was another standout. She brought a layered presence to the role as Stack’s love interest, and the chemistry between them delivered some of the film’s best dialogue. Mary’s position between the Black and white worlds added a compelling layer to the story. As someone with partial Black heritage who could pass as white, she navigated a complex and painful social reality. The tension in her relationship with Stack was heartbreaking. He was clearly in love with her, but feared the consequences of pursuing that love in such a dangerous era. He understood what might happen to her if they were seen together and believed it was better to break both their hearts than risk her being harmed. That quiet fear added real weight to their scenes and left a lasting impression.
It was fascinating to see the Delta and the way of life that surrounded the people during this time. Life under Jim Crow was undeniably harsh and unjust for Black citizens, but I appreciated how the film captured the complexities of the era. There were still beautiful moments, strong connections, and a deep sense of love and community that existed alongside the oppression. One memorable scene introduces two Chinese characters, Grace and Bo, who own two separate stores, one for white customers and one for Black customers. This detail added an interesting layer, showing how they were uniquely positioned to move between racial lines and increase their profits in a system that forced others to stay in place. It was a subtle but powerful reflection on how race, survival, and opportunity could intersect in unexpected ways.
The music played an essential role in the film and felt deeply woven into the story itself. Music and song carried a kind of cosmic magic, something that could bend time and space while also attracting even the red-eyed blood fiends lurking in the dark. Blues was treated with as much reverence as food and water, a vital part of life for the people in this world. It makes perfect sense that Ryan Coogler placed such importance on the melody of this film. Music became a bridge between the past, present, and future, reminding us that even in the darkest corners of the world, something is always playing and someone is always listening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and believe it is a must see while it is still in theaters. The Southern Gothic style blended with a vampire storyline was already bound to be entertaining, but the cast and crew truly blew it out of the park. As someone from the South, I deeply appreciated the setting, the costumes, the accents, and the authenticity in how the characters were presented. The acting across the board was phenomenal, bringing a real sense of life to the screen. My only personal critique is that I did not find Sammi’s storyline as engaging, even though he was a central character. His scenes sometimes pulled focus away from Michael B. Jordan’s incredible performance, and I would honestly love to see a prequel that follows the Smoke Stack Twins during their time in Chicago. Sinners was fun, explosive, and carried powerful emotional weight. I hope studios continue pushing for more original films like this and make stories like these the new standard.
Make sure you stay for the post-credit scenes! There are two!
4.5 out of 5
Sinners is a bold and original Southern Gothic vampire tale brought to life by Ryan Coogler’s direction and a phenomenal double performance from Michael B. Jordan. With standout visuals, rich cultural themes, and a haunting score, the film blends horror, history, and heart in a way that feels fresh and unforgettable. While Sammi’s storyline felt secondary at times, the film as a whole is a must-see theatrical experience that proves original cinema still has a pulse.
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