Sinners (2025)

A few hours prior to seeing Ryan Coogler’s newest feature, I was in a conversation with my co-worker Dante.

He accused me of conforming with the critics. He challenged me to supply him with films that I disagreed with the majority of the critics (and in which nostalgia could not play a factor). Well Dante, what timing you have sir, because I am here to say I am not the biggest of fans of Sinners, possibly my hottest of takes since my original view of Get Out in 2017 (note: I rewatched Get Out, and atoned for my mistake.)

The film takes place during one unforgettable day in early 1930s Mississippi, with the return of local twins “Smoke” and “Stack” (both played by Coogler regular Michael B. Jordan). After a considerable amount of time spent in Chicago, they plan on using the money they have stolen from the mob to set up their own juke joint. They recruit the help from their cousin, “Preacher Boy” Sammie (newcomer Miles Caton).

Returning from Smoke and Stack’s past include Stack’s former flame Mary (Hailee Steinfeld, who has not been this good in some time), a local married chinese couple (Yao and Li Jun Li), Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller), long time musician Delta Slim (the always brilliant Delroy Lindo) and Smoke’s alienated love Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), an inspiring occultist.

From the first ten minutes or so of the film (or if you have seen the trailer), you know there will be a horror element to the film (lousy jump scares did get me in the beginning). Sammie’s pastor father, afterall, warns him of the music he plays:

“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he gonna follow you home.”

There is no denying the talent displayed on both sides of the camera. To call Coogler a talented director is a gross understatement. He knows how to frame and nearly every shot he produces is efficacious. Where the movie loses me is the second half. It is inevitable that the film would have to say something about the likes of the KKK in the south during this time, but the horror aspect and tone just did not gel with what the movie was saying about music (I should not have to say this, but in case you thought I was unaware, what the KKK stands for is horrible).

The high points of the movie are anything to do with music, particularly a scene in the middle of the film (just before all goes wrong). When you see the scene, you will know what it is I am talking about. It is stellar.

Parents, this movie is not at all for kids. Aside from the horror violence in the second part of the film, the film does not shy away from sexual content. There are three sex scenes, though they are not long and nothing is shown. There is far more detail in the dialogue, however. The R rating is more than justified here.

Even with the almost unsullied overall music (I have indeed been listening to the soundtrack as I write this), the movie fails for me with its second act. Granted, it could be like Get Out all over again, where another viewing down the line will change my mind. 

As for now, I don’t want anyone turning me.

Note: A shoutout is in order for whoever thought of releasing a movie titled Sinners on Easter Weekend.

Overall: