Sinners Review

★★★★★

By Flora Irvine-Hall

Image via Bloody Disgusting

Has Ryan Coogler’s new film made vampires scary again? 

Sinners has been creating a buzz in the horror community and for very good reason. Ryan Coogler has certainly outdone himself with this one and it’s fair to say that this is one of the best horror films of the year.  

Sinners is set in the Jim Crow era of the 1930s, specifically in the Mississippi Delta. The film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who have returned to their hometown to open a jukebox. They purchase an old mill in the hopes of creating a safe place for African Americans to play and enjoy music. The grand opening starts off very well, and both the vibes are the music are immaculate. But things start to go wrong when a vampire named Remmick (played by Jack O’Connell) pays them a visit, and it turns into a night to remember for all the wrong reasons.  

Image via IMDb

While the film gets off to a slow start, once it takes off, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen.  

The acting in this film is phenomenal. Michal B. Jordan manages to distinguish his performance between Smoke and Stack so well, that you often forget that that there’s not two of him.  

Wunmi Mosaku, who plays Annie, is breathtaking in her role and will have viewers in tears during a couple of different moments of the film.  

Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary, delivers one of her best performances to date. 

Jack O’Donnell is another standout. He is utterly captivating as Remmick and masters playing an antagonist that is equal parts frightening, sympathetic and charismatic.  

Image via Screen Rant

Newcomer Miles Caton, who plays Sammie, is phenomenal. It’s hard to believe this is his first film as he has talent that a lot of veteran actors could only dream of having. 

The costumes are also stunning. Not only does costume designer Ruth E. Carter manage to help distinguish between Smoke and Stack by giving them different signature colours, but she also creates costumes that looked lived in, which helps to add accuracy to the time period of the film.  

Image via Harper's BAZAAR

The soundtrack is spectacular. The “I Lied to You” scene and the “Rocky Road to Dublin” scene will leave you with your jaw on the floor at the sheer beauty of them.

Image via GQ

The film sheds light on some very important topics. Topics like having a community, cultural appropriation, race and identity. Without wanting to give any spoilers, the overall story of the film is both complex and moving.  

Sinners is a horror masterpiece that everyone should see.