'Sinners' is too good to miss—here's why (no spoilers)

Express Tribune

22-04-2025

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have officially redefined what an original blockbuster can be.
Their latest collaboration, Sinners, a supernatural thriller set in the American South during the 1930s, is not only earning rave reviews, but also making history at the global box office.
The film, already the #1 movie in the U.S., has delivered the biggest domestic opening weekend for an original film this decade.
It's even eclipsed the launch of Jordan Peele's Us, which pulled in $71 million in 2019.
For the horror genre, Sinners has set an all-new benchmark that's never been reached before, combining thrilling scares with thought-provoking depth and rich cultural storytelling.
1. The unbeatable pairing
Coogler and Jordan are no strangers to success. Their joint filmography boasts Fruitvale Station, Creed, and both Black Panther films — a legacy of powerful, genre-defining cinema. In Sinners, the duo steps into even darker, bolder territory.
Coogler's direction has reached a new peak, raising the bar set by his past hits.
Meanwhile, Jordan shines in a dual role as twins Smoke and Stack, delivering a performance that's both gripping and electric.
The cast is rounded out by Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country) as Annie, Hailee Steinfeld (The Marvels) in a transformative role, Delroy Lindo (Malcolm X) providing humour and heart, and breakout star Miles Caton as musician Sammie Moore — a standout among a cast of powerhouses.
2. The vampires have bite
This isn't your typical vampire flick.
Sinners taps into classic lore with a fresh edge — complete with hoodoo influences and haunting symbolism that may reflect on the predatory forces in American history. But you didn't hear that from me.
Horror fans will be thrilled with the film's well-crafted frights. The jump scares are strong, the atmosphere is thick with tension, and audiences will likely find themselves shouting 'Run!' at the screen.
3. Music at the heart of it all
Music plays a vital role in Sinners, just as it does in life. The film honours the power of Black American music, its soul, its roots, and its evolution from blues to modern rhythms.
The film uses music not just as background, but as narrative. There are cameo performances and tracks that will delight blues lovers, reminding us that 'the beat changes, but the soul remains.'
4. A visual masterpiece
Visually, Sinners is breathtaking. Coogler opted to shoot on film rather than digital, creating a nostalgic, textural richness that adds to its immersive feel. The use of vibrant colours and moody light makes every frame cinematic.
For the ultimate experience, Coogler recommends watching in IMAX.
Only 10 theatres worldwide are screening it in 15 perf projection format, and luckily, the Indiana State Museum's IMAX is one of them. Don't miss the chance to see it as the director intended.
5. Rooted in culture
Set in 1930s Mississippi, the story is deeply tied to Black American culture and history. Themes like sharecropping, bootlegging, lynching, and the Great Migration are all woven into the backdrop, telling stories of resilience, survival, and identity.
This powerful narrative gives Sinners the weight of an instant classic — one that uses the horror genre to explore much more than monsters.