Sinners Movie Review

Released: 18th April 2025 (UK and US)

Length: 138 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Director: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller and Delroy Lindo

Vampires have been a constant fixture in cinema and are often open to interpretation. From direct adaptations to new creations, they haven’t lost their fear factor. Ryan Coogler and his team offer a new take on this classic horror monster, a title that deserves every success and accolade.

In 1930s America, the twin mobsters Smoke and Stack Moore (Both played by Michael B. Jordan) return to the Mississippi Delta, having stolen a large amount of cash from the Chicago crime family. They team up with their talented cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to build a juke joint and secure their fortunes. Little do they know a pack of vampires led by Remmick (Jack O’Connell) are out for a feast at the bar’s opening night. Right away, there’s a great sense of build-up in the early going as the characters and their close relationships are constructed. Sinners leans more towards the crime and historical genres here; Smoke and Stack are clearly identifiable while Sammy serves as a major thematic anchor for the narrative. Once the party begins, the narrative shifts gears and becomes a tense round of horror with the rules clearly established; don’t invite the vampires in and hold out until daylight. All of these elements are already strong, but Coogler has imbued the production with so much hidden depth; history, culture, religion and folklore are all explored in great detail. The constant use of blues music ties back to Robert Johnson and the Devil at the Crossroads, perfectly embracing the central tone. The church at the start and end of the piece reflects the worry that new music was causing people to turn away from their faith. Being set in the American South, voodoo superstitions also enter the scene as the lead characters head into combat. All of these elements combine to craft a unique and highly original blend, one that will thoroughly satisfy the audience. It’s so much more than simply surviving the creatures of the night.

The film gives ample opportunity for the actors to develop their respective roles. Michael Jordan takes on a new challenge by playing two characters at once and presenting a close bond. Both are multi-layered individuals who have served in World War One while also carrying some baggage in their intimate relationships. Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) are also established in the first act. Far from throwaway romantic interests, they challenge the protagonists while making their presence felt; Annie’s occult knowledge assists in battling the vampires and Mary represents the hostility towards mixed race couples at the time. Miles Caton is a newcomer to big-name blockbusters; thanks to his emotive performance and great musical talents, he makes a brilliant impression throughout. You feel the inner conflict his character goes through; does Sammy stay close to religion or chase his dream of becoming a blues musician? The movie never loses sight of this thread and the vampires challenge his beliefs alongside his survival instinct. Jack O’Connell makes for a great villain; his thirst for blood and relishing for conversion leads to many great scares throughout. Even smaller roles like the hard-drinking Delta Slim make an impression, boasting smaller details that make them stand out. All told, there is no weak link in the cast; they all do excellent work from start to finish.

The setting may be hot and sweltering, but Sinners doesn’t skip the technical details either. The film comes alive with precise lighting, smooth camerawork and detailed designs. When night falls, the use of yellow lamps hangs over every scene and creepy red eyes lurk in the darkness. The make-up effects and gore are suitably nasty, blending well with the actors. The sets and costume designs are all picture-perfect, but the best component by far is the soundtrack, a fantastic set from Ludwig Göransson that oozes atmosphere and cultural resonance. Whenever two characters have a heart-to-heart, the audience is fully immersed in the performances and the encroachment of the vampires always lingers in the background. There’s a really ambitious one-take shot which flies through the converted sawmill, flashing through multiple eras of black music both past and present; simultaneously, the vampires put on their own show outside the venue with an Irish dance turned sinister. Sinners is capped off by a brutal battle with the unwelcome guests that glides around every character as they try desperately to fight off the horde. It’s an exhilarating ride with full investment in the cast and underlying themes.

On its own, Sinners is a superb horror movie; the opening builds up the characters beautifully, the atmosphere and scares are highly effective and the final act delivers a riotous bloodbath. It’s the blending of genres and all the hidden depth that take it above and beyond. You’ll shouldn’t miss out on one of the best and most original releases of the year.

Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)