Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic Sinners is unafraid to look silly. The film, which marks the director’s return to feature films after nearly a decade in the Marvel trenches, showcases Coogler following his muse with enthusiasm. From cunnilingus references to a standout dance sequence featuring Irish step dancing vampires, Sinners is an earnest act of imagination that’s also unapologetically goofy.
At its core, Sinners is about a group of musicians who have the power to pierce the veil between life and death. However, it’s not until Remmick, a villainous vampire with Celtic origins, decides to throw an Irish hoedown that things take a turn for the absurd. With Coogler devoting equal care to this scene as he did to earlier moments, the film blurs the line between seriousness and unseriousness.
The film’s use of traditional Irish music is noteworthy, particularly in its editing and camera movement. By incorporating the distinctive rhythm of “The Rocky Road to Dublin” with African musical traditions, Coogler highlights two cultures that have been marginalized by authority. While Sinners can be an objectively absurd sight, it also moves viewers with the power of its soundtrack.
Ultimately, Sinners’ success lies in embracing its own ridiculousness while still conveying a powerful message. The film’s ability to balance seriousness and unseriousness is both jarring and effective, making it a standout in 2020s cinema.
Source: https://www.vulture.com/article/we-need-to-talk-about-sinners-irish-dancing-vampires.html