"𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔": 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑽𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆-𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆

Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Rating: 9/10

Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” is a cinematic masterpiece in the horror genre, weaving its narrative with the sounds of southern blues. The film follows the twin brothers as they try to leave their troubled lives behind, returning to their hometown to start again, only to discover an even greater evil waiting to welcome them back. 

Michael B. Jordan plays the character “Smoke” with his twin brother “Stack,” played by Michael C. Jordan. Kidding aside, the twin is played by Michael B. Jordan alone. Yes, we are gifted to see two Michael B. Jordans on the big screen, both in their tank tops and with bloody muscles. Michael B. Jordan’s performance was magnetic, which is odd because he has consistently delivered great performances every time he’s on screen. Yet, he hasn’t secured that one role that will earn him an Oscar nomination. As much as I would love for him to get an Oscar nod for this role, the Academy is notorious for ignoring the horror genre. His performance as both “Stack” and “Smoke” was phenomenal, giving each character a distinct persona that remains true to their individuality. Jordan’s dual role was powerful, complemented by Coogler’s bold and in-your-face bloody direction, making their team-up a one-of-a-kind. 

This film is a risk for Ryan Cooler as he hasn’t done any films that are not inspired by or based on a different narrative. “Sinners” is all original and unique, which proves my point that Ryan is one of the greatest directors we have today. His fearless storytelling, which skillfully addressed racial discrimination and greed, was powerful. It’s the kind of risk worth trying, and Coogler masterfully blends the elements of horror and drama through music and blood. 

The first hour of the film may be a bit long and dragging to some viewers, but it’s the kind of characterization needed for this kind of film. Coogler cleverly built a world for these characters, allowing us to see them and their lives before the dreaded night. Coogler allowed the viewers to understand each character and their motivations, making the film’s first half pivotal. Once the film reaches its second part, it’s where all the blood and chaos occur, and the journey leading up to this moment is worth it. 

Warner Bros. Pictures

“Sinners” also shines in its visual and sound brilliance. There’s a sequence in the film where the character played by Miles Caton, named “Sammie,” sings a song that showcases various transformations in music, from classic to modern. It also features music from different cultures and races. This scene is the moment when you can say that “Sinners” is probably the best horror film in recent years; it was like a spiritual awakening. The way Coogler cleverly conveyed the film through music is impressive; the music was not just an element added for extra flair, but rather, it was pivotal and interconnected with the story. Music and storytelling are interconnected; one cannot exist without the other, and that alone is a testament to Coogler’s brilliance.

“Sinners” is a film where everything was given to us, the viewers, from exceptional performances to excellent visual and audio storytelling. It’s a film where all the elements of horror, drama, and music come together because Coogler’s heart and dedication were in it. I have been waiting for this in the horror genre, specifically in the vampire subgenre. It’s fresh and unique, yet still true to the gore and bloody nature of a film about vampires and its allegory.