Director: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, and Delroy Lindo
Movie Length: 2 hours 17 minutes
Sinners is a curious name for this film. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler who garnered significant fame as Director and Co-Writer of the record-breaking Black Panther, Sinners continues his track record as a producer of poignant material. Not only that, but through his inclusion of a largely Black cast, the viewer is provided with what feels like an authentic portrayal of life as an African American not even one generation removed from the abolition of slavery. I’ll return to the topic of the movie’s name a bit further into this review.
There’s a lot going on in this movie, not the least of which is a commendable performance from the standout star, Michael B. Jordan. There’s a twist to his character that I didn’t even realize until the film was over and the credits rolled. If you’ve seen the Ti West horror film X, you’ll find yourself experiencing a similar sensation.
Jordan’s plays “Smoke” and his twin brother is “Stack.” Both have history in Mississippi but excised themselves from a land of limited opportunity and instead traveled to Chicago to build their lives. After several years of success, they pool their fortunes and return to Mississippi as the somewhat notorious prodigal sons. While away, the town had gleaned bits of information about the brothers and lionized them in their absence.
Smoke and Stack have a plan; to put together an impressive juke joint (a place where music, dance, and other frivolity take place; primarily for patrons of color). Even when staring down the barrel of blatant and implied racism, money is enough to garner respect. That and the fact that the brothers have a reputation as men not to be trifled with.
With willpower and hard cash, a building is purchased, a bar established, signage produced, and talented blues players, including a gifted young man who goes by “Preacher Boy.” In many ways, he is the audience’s surrogate. Portions of exposition are delivered for his and the viewer’s benefit.
For the first two-thirds of the movie, this is a remarkably well-crafted period piece about the lives of blacks during an unsavory time in America’s history. However, if you’ve seen the trailer, this is indeed a horror movie. The appearance of a smoldering man who stumbles upon a remote couple’s home introduces us to what transforms this movie into something completely different than what’s come before.
The juke joint is a well-attended, raving success. This town was in need of a place of frivolity and a bit of debauchery. At one point Preacher Boy is introduced to the audience and his playing is revelatory. The standout scene in the movie features the mystical flashes of other Black musicians with extreme talent. We see the likes of African percussionists and even a heavy metal guitarist appears while Preacher Boy plays in unison with the collection of spirits who eventually dissipate once the playing stops.
Much more could be said, but I’m reluctant to spoil a wonderful film for audiences. I can tell you that things at the juke joint don’t exactly go as planned and lives are lost. This is where I’ll revisit the movie’s title, Sinners. Who exactly are the sinners in this piece? The two brothers almost certainly sinned to earn their fortunes, which they put to work to build their juke joint. If the establishment is born from sinful means, does that taint it? There are a couple of groups that are easy to identify as sinners, but the remaining entities remain open to interpretation.
Sinners is solid film whose only tangible flaw is perhaps in the last five minutes. Having said that, I encourage viewers to experience this bold and layered movie in theaters now. For those of you who are looking for strictly a horror movie, you may be disappointed. If you’re ready for something with a bit more meat on the bone, this is for you. And don’t worry, the gore does finally make an appearance in the final act.
Michael’s rating: I’m giving Sinners a very solid 9.25 out of 10.
Sinners is now in theaters
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