Sinners

2024
Directors: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Saul Williams, Hailee Steinfeld, and more

From Ryan Coogler-director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”-and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.” Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Sinners, the latest film directed by Ryan Coogler, is one I’ve been looking forward to. I knew in his capable hands it would be a wonderful movie. It still exceeded my expectation with a captivating blend of horror, culture, and profound social commentary that left me with a lot to think about even after the credits rolled. Set in a small Southern town haunted by a dark past and sinister supernatural forces, the film intricately weaves together elements of folklore, history, and the struggle for identity. The messaging, given the current state of things, couldn’t have been more spot on.

The story revolves around a community grappling with its heritage and the shadows of slavery in the Jim Crow south, where twin brothers (both played by Jordan) return to their hometown to begin again. They had no idea what supernatural forces were waiting for them. They quickly set up a juke joint that Coogler masterfully uses to portrays the struggle of black and Asian citizen in a time when they were heavily marginalized. The symbolism used in two mesmerizing dance sequences were breathakingly simple but haunting in conveying their meaning. The human dance scenes in the juke joint are a spiritual connection to their ancestors, a celebration of resilience, and a defiant affirmation of cultural identity.

The other dance sequence was magnificently macabre, each step resonating with history and defiance. Vampires move in sync to an Irish song, a deliberate choice by Coogler, and the juxtaposition is striking. It symbolizes the false promise of a post-racial utopia, where cultural appropriation masks deep-seated inequalities and erases the struggles of marginalized communities. Lucky for me I found it on YouTube so I could revisit it, take it in again. Coogler’s direction shines brightest in these moments, where choreography becomes a narrative tool, depicting the complexities of race, identity, and the quest for freedom. The dancers’ movements are hauntingly beautiful, infused with pain, pride, and the undeniable rhythm of survival.

The performances from the entire cast were stellar. Coogler had a message to get across and he didn’t pull his punches. Sinners is a cinematic masterpiece, blending horror and social commentary with artistic flair. Coogler’s vision and messaging makes this film a must-watch. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the strength found in cultural heritage. Sinners is more than a movie. It’s a profound exploration of history’s ghosts and the resilience of the human spirit.

Isabella Jordan