Sinners

Sinners

A Southern Gothic Masterpiece of Symbolism and Soul

★★★★☆

A fascinating amalgamation of themes that cements Ryan Coogler as a premier artist.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a beautiful film with breathtaking cinematography and production design that stands out in the 4K digital era. The lighting and authenticity of the period design suggest a different level of visual artistry. Beyond the visuals, the movie draws you in with a magnetic, toe-tapping blues soundtrack and exceptional performances, notably Michael B. Jordan in dual roles.

"Sinners is not intended to be a crowd pleaser. It's likely supposed to be a work of art that provokes some thoughts on the themes... spark conversations and inspire the exchange of opinions."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Ryan Coogler
• Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku
• Supporting: Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li, Miles Caton
• Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw

The Vision

Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, the film explores complex world-building and cultural divides. While the horror elements—vampirism—might seem like the least interesting or terrifying aspect on the surface, they serve as deep metaphors for racism, cultural appropriation, and guilt. It is a thought-provoking triumph that encourages sociological research, even if it lacks the visceral "adrenaline" thrills of a Jordan Peele thriller.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Dual Roles: Michael B. Jordan continues his long-standing collaboration with Coogler by taking on the challenge of playing two distinct characters.
• Genre Blend: The film is described as a "supernatural thriller," blending historical drama with traditional vampire tropes like garlic and sun ray allergies.
• Auteur Status: This project marks Coogler's shift from blockbuster hitmaker (Black Panther) to a more provocative, theme-driven artist.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking visual artistry and period production design.
• Exceptional, magnetic blues-inspired soundtrack.
• Deep, symbolic layers that reward multiple viewings.

❌ Cons

• Horror elements aren't particularly scary or unique.
• May feel less satisfying for those seeking a "crowd-pleasing" thriller.
• Relies heavily on external research/discussion to fully decode.

🏆 Final Verdict

Sinners is one of the best films of the year—a crowning achievement that proves Coogler has something important to share. While it falls just a tad short of "Epic" due to its trodden horror elements, it is a triumph of thought and visual storytelling that will only improve with time.

View original review on Letterboxd