by Cyn’s Corner
“Sinners” is Ryan Coogler’s latest film—a period piece with a twist: vampires. Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles as twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who return to their hometown after leaving behind a life in Chicago. As the story unfolds, we gradually learn more about their past, both before and during their time away.
The first 40 minutes are devoted entirely to character introductions and setting the stage for the climactic event that will take place later that night—a showdown between vampires and humans. We don’t see our first vampire until about the 45-minute mark, and even then, their presence remains hidden from the other characters for a while. In many ways, this is a slow-burn horror/thriller. While that might be a drawback for some viewers, I didn’t mind it. Coogler uses that time to immerse us in the characters’ lives and relationships, giving us a reason to care about them—an essential ingredient in effective horror. With so many characters involved, that investment in setup pays off.
I also appreciated the film’s early 20th-century setting. It genuinely feels like the period piece it’s meant to be. Given the timeframe and the deep South setting, racial issues naturally come into play. But unlike many films that force these themes to the forefront in a way that feels heavy-handed or agenda-driven, “Sinners” handles them organically. The racial tension is present, but it doesn’t overshadow the story or feels like it’s there just to make a point.
The vampire lore is woven seamlessly into the narrative, even before the characters realize what they’re up against. Coogler is clearly familiar with traditional vampire mythology and remains faithful to it, for the most part. Music and religion also play major roles—almost becoming characters themselves. Music, in particular, stands out. The movie opens with commentary on it, and it’s threaded through the story in powerful, memorable ways.
That said, I did have some issues with the final act. The writing falters a bit, with several moments that are hard to overlook. Without giving away spoilers, some characters make illogical decisions, a few scenarios stretch believability—especially when it comes to being vastly outnumbered—and there’s one moment involving a character somehow maneuvering himself into a critical position without being noticed by a crowd of vampires right there. I’d initially expected to rate “Sinners” higher, but those flaws made me dial it back. A rewatch might shift that one way or the other, but for now, I’m holding firm on the rating below.
Content-wise, expect plenty of gore and violence, along with several sexual situations. Be sure to stick around once the credits start. There’s a lengthy mid-credits scene that plays more like an epilogue—and it’s absolutely worth the wait. There’s also a brief post-credits moment.
Rating: 4 out of 5