Sinners
★★★★ 1/2
Some movies catch you off guard in the best possible way. Sinners is exactly that—a film I went into knowing almost nothing except: it’s directed by Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers and vampires are involved (though I kind of wish I didn’t know that last part). But even with that intriguing setup, nothing prepared me for the ride this film took me on.
Let’s just get it out there—this is one of my favorite types of horror movies. And I say “horror” loosely, because Sinners is less jump scares and gore and more atmospheric, slow-burn folklore. It's part period drama, part myth, part character study and 100% rich with cultural meaning. This is a movie about identity, legacy, music—specifically the roots of blues—and the haunting echoes of history. It's a film that makes you think, while also keeping you on the edge of your seat with popcorn-in-hand excitement.
Coogler nails the tone. The world he builds feels intimate and lived-in, the kind of setting where secrets rot just under the soil. The tension simmers beneath the surface, and then—just when you think you’ve got a grip on the story—it erupts. All of it is contained in a tight timeline, which only cranks up the suspense even more.
Michael B. Jordan is a force, pulling off the double act with impressive subtlety. He doesn’t go for flashy tricks to distinguish the twins; it’s all in the eyes, the posture, the tone—just enough to make it clear without ever winking at the audience. And Coogler handles the dual role flawlessly with clean, clever direction that never leaves you confused about who’s who.
The supporting cast? Chef’s kiss. Delroy Lindo is, as always, magnetic. A standout newcomer (Miles Caton) brings surprising heart, and Wunmi Mosaku is a total revelation—expect to see her everywhere soon. There’s also a certain character (Jack O'Connell) whose purpose I won’t spoil, but trust me, he brings it in a way that’ll have you rethinking a few things.
The film takes bold swings but stays grounded—bold enough to feel original, but never so out-there that it loses the audience. My only hiccup? A strange creative choice that pops up during the end credits. It doesn’t ruin anything, but it left me puzzling over its purpose in a story that otherwise felt so complete. Maybe I’ll come around to it. Maybe I won’t. But it’s a tiny mark on an otherwise near-perfect film.
Bottom line: Sinners is the rare genre-blending gem that delivers big on entertainment and ideas. If you're even mildly into folklore, horror, music history or just great storytelling—go see this. Go in as blind as possible. Then prepare to talk about it for days.
