Chante JVR

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

The last time I was excited to watch a vampire horror in cinema; I was disappointed afterwards. I had no idea what to expect with this one. I hadn’t watched the trailer; I hadn’t watched any interviews. All I knew was that my film club was RAVING about this movie. And for good reason.

Set in 1932 Mississippi, Ryan Coogler’s first original movie Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) as they return home to open a juke joint, seeking a fresh start after their tumultuous pasts. Their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), a gifted guitarist, joins them, bringing with him a deep connection to the spiritual power of music. However, their aspirations are soon threatened by the arrival of Remmick (Jack O’Connell), an Irish-immigrant vampire who, along with his minions, seeks to exploit Sammie’s musical abilities to summon spirits and further his own dark agenda. As the community faces this supernatural menace, themes of ancestral spirituality, systemic oppression, and the resilience of African heritage come to the forefront.

What works:

🩸Michael B. Jordan delivers a compelling dual performance as Smoke and Stack, capturing the complexities of both characters with such nuance.
🩸The chemistry among the cast, including standout performances by Miles Caton as Sammie and Hailee Steinfeld, adds depth to the narrative.
🩸Ludwig Göransson, hot off the heels of Oppenheimer, puts together a score that is a masterful blend of blues and atmospheric tones, enhancing the film’s emotional and supernatural elements.
🩸The film’s exploration of African spirituality and its critique of white Christianity provide a thought-provoking commentary on cultural identity and resilience.

What doesn’t:

🎶The high amount of gore might be too much for more squeamish viewers—it’s not constant, but when it hits, it hits hard.
🎶Some character arcs, particularly in the latter half, could have benefited from further development to fully realize their potential.

Final Thoughts:

Sinners is a bold and innovative entry in the horror genre, offering cultural commentary, compelling performances, and a hauntingly beautiful score. It’s a film that challenges conventions and leaves a lasting impression.

And to be honest, I’m just glad to finally see a good movie about twins after the disaster that was The Monkey.