Set in the 1930s American South, Ryan Coogler's Sinners is a gothic horror that follows twin brothers, played in dual roles by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown seeking peace but instead uncover a sinister evil.
The film unfolded methodically, prioritizing character development before its haunting plot fully emerged. Coogler masterfully employed symbolism, using blues music and the Southern gothic backdrop as potent metaphors for resistance. The score was intentionally evocative, underscoring the pain, beauty, and resilience of Black communities facing historical oppression.
Filmed for IMAX, the vastness and depth of the land that sharecroppers toiled under during Jim Crow was strikingly apparent, adding another layer to the film's historical context. Deeply woven themes of racism, assimilation, cultural erasure through colonization, and spiritual resistance permeated the narrative, prompting viewers to confront the real-world horrors underlying the supernatural elements. Ultimately, the film's most profound terrors stemmed from the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
What truly elevated Sinners was Coogler’s continued commitment to representing the diversity of the Black experience. Black women were portrayed as complex, smart, strong, and sensual. There was also a deeply thoughtful depiction of cross-racial solidarity with Chinese characters, underscoring the shared resistance against white supremacy and systemic violence. It was a quiet but powerful narrative thread that added richness and relevance to the film's historical setting.
The casting was strong with a mixture of iconic veteran actors like Delroy Lindo and some newer to the scene actors. Jordan delivered one of his most nuanced performances to date. He was able to portray two distinctly different brothers who were the anchor to the film’s emotional core. His chemistry with Wunmi Mosaku added warmth to an otherwise ominous atmosphere, while newcomer Miles Caton stood out both as an actor and musician. His performance was soulful, adding a musical heartbeat to the film that tied beautifully into storytelling.
That said, I wasn’t a huge fan of how the villains were portrayed visually. Given the film’s heavy themes and emotional weight, I was hoping for a more frightening depiction of evil. While the concept behind them was strong, the execution lacked compared to what I’ve seen in other supernatural villain portrayals like Interview with the Vampire (TV series) or the Underworld film franchise. Those comparisons show just how terrifying and visually arresting supernatural antagonists can be when fully realized.
In the end, Sinners was a visually rich, emotionally powerful period horror with layered themes and standout performances. While the villains fell short of their potential visually, the film remained a unique and compelling entry in the genre.