Ryan Coogler’s anticipated psychological thriller, “Sinners,” starring Michael B. Jordan, follows twin brothers returning to their hometown hoping to leave their troubled lives in the past when they are greeted with an unexpected supernatural evil.
The twins Smoke and Stack, played by Jordan, return from their works with the mob in Chicago in pursuit of opening a nightclub for their community. On opening night the sound of blues drew the attention of blood lusting vampires to the club.
This period drama is set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, where it expands on the combination of politics, spirituality and faith of Black culture. The film touches on the superstition that music holds a spiritual power. In this case rhythm and blues music has the ability to open a path to spirits from the past and future.
A favorable aspect of this film is seeing the music and the choreography tying to the narrative of the film. They incorporated soul music with modern day sound which was meant to display the feeling of being liberated. The music and choreography truly conveys the power and community that the characters were feeling.
Coogler’s version of vampires were prisoners of their souls that were being drawn to the power of the blue. They portrayed themselves as offering immortality as a solution to true freedom and equality as a way to lure victims. Though these vampires had the typical disdain for garlic, holy water, and have to be welcomed into a building in order to enter, these vampires hold a deeper meaning.
The vampire’s admiration for the blues and false promises of freedom represent the exploitation of other cultures. The film does a great job on reflecting on the challenges of the Black community and also displaying representation.
What made this film so exhilarating was the performances of each actor. While Jordan is known for his action and drama packed films, in this film we get to see him tackle two roles played close together.
With that, the film introduces a new actor, Miles Caton. Caton plays Sammie, the cousin of Smoke and Stack who has a gift as a musician. He was able to deliver a compelling character and his storyline was crucial to the plot of the movie.
Coogler and Jordan have worked together on multiple highly acclaimed films, this latest film has been labeled one of the best films of the year and has outperformed every horror film in the past decade. Since it is a rated R film, mature audiences should go and analyze the symbolism of the plot, the film demands full attention.
Editor’s Note: The original version of this story spelled director Ryan Coogler’s last name as Clooger. It has now been corrected.
