I have never seen anything quite like Sinners. I would give a 9.5/10. It is historical fiction, taking place in the sharecropping era American south around the 1930s. It is also a vampire horror movie. Director Ryan Coogler’s film follows preacher boy Sammy and his cousins the Smoke-Stack twins as they open up a new Juke-Joint in their hometown.
Coogler’s entrance into the world of horror blew me away. Coogler is most known for his work on movies like Black Panther and Creed, making this his only horror movie. For a first, it is a marvel in writing and cinematography. He was able to create a thrilling, action packed historical fiction worthy of movie of the year, even among other great horror movies like Weapons.
Sinners has one of the best music tracks for a movie in recent memory. Thematically the music works wonders to prop up the story and themes of the movie, being a fusion of southern blues and intense metal. The music itself is incredibly well made but it makes you feel like you are really in the 1930s with the characters. However, Sinners makes sure to utilize every part of the music. In fact there is so much music in this movie I would call it a musical.
Visually, the movie is stunning: taking breathtaking composition and combining it with phenomenal exposure and color grading. One of my standout moments in the movie in terms of visuals was when the vampires are about to make their first kill; their eyes are cast in shadow to show their sinister intent. Another interesting aspect is the gradual shift from cool colors during the first act into warm and dark reds during the second and third acts.
Sinners explores themes of racial and cultural conformity through the plot which is well written and executed. It offers a deep look into the way African culture was suppressed and replaced in the time after slavery. The movie’s lore is just similar enough to typical vampire mythology to feel familiar while being different enough to make you ask questions and be surprised.
One aspect of the movie that could split potential fans is the genre. Although it is a horror movie, I would call it more of an action horror. If you are looking for purely a horror movie, watch Weapons. But if you can look past the slight lack in scares I think you will find a masterpiece.
I would recommend this movie to just about anyone, be it a horror movie fan, fantasy fan, action fan, or American history buff. Be warned that this movie does include some sexual acts, alcohol and a lot of violence.
