Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” is a sweaty and gory Southern Gothic horror musical that throws the kitchen sink at the vampire subgenre, often missing the mark. The film follows bootlegging brothers Smoke and Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan, as they return to the Mississippi Delta to open a juke joint in a disused sawmill.
Coogler’s ambitions shine through in the film’s diverse cast and epic scope, but he often leans too far into style over substance. The cinematography is breathtaking, shot on 65mm with IMAX cameras, which provides moments of unwavering beauty. However, this format also creates a shallow focus that blurs the background, separating characters from their environment.
The film’s topics are equally disordered, delving into African folklore, America’s racial history, and decimated Black families. Sammie, played by Miles Caton, is the nexus for these themes, possessing an uncommon artistic strength to link eras and segments of the diaspora through his music.
Despite its flaws, “Sinners” is a sin worth forgiving, especially given Coogler’s impressive career as a director who has earned the right to make big statements. The film’s final freakout is a deliciously gory affair, but it ultimately feels like box checking, with Jordan taking on a Rambo-esque role and the film trying to tie up loose ends.
Ultimately, “Sinners” falls short of its epic scope, often missing the mark in its attempt to subvert vampire mythology. However, its expansive vision and firm intent make it tempting to be swept up in, even if it doesn’t quite come together.
Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sinners-movie-review-2025