Sinners

Two gangsters (both played by Michael B. Jordan) return home only to be attacked by vampires in Sinners (Distributed by Warner Bros.)

Sinners is a big, bold, intelligent, compelling vampire movie. However, it is also more than that. It is a story of family, love, music, belonging in a place where you are not welcome. It is an allegory about the black experience in America, with an emphasis on cultural appropriation, that writer/director Ryan Coogler bakes into his plot in a way that makes it feel essential. For a big-budget multiplex blockbuster, which Sinners most certainly is, it absolutely does not play it safe. The idea of Michael B. Jordan fighting vampires would likely be enough to sell tickets on its own. It will give opening weekend horror crowds what they are looking for (blood, gore, thrills, action and suspense). It will also give them way more.

It has a lot on its mind, not simply using cultural talking points as window dressing for its action. The way it mixes its ideas with the genre material it is being sold on is very impressive. Throw in some really strong performances, a good soundtrack and a fittingly patient pace, right up until all hell breaks loose, and you have a near-perfect intersection of art and entertainment. This is an excellent movie.

It is 1932 and gangster twins Smoke and Stack have just returned home to Mississippi from Chicago. Through possibly illicit means, they have acquired enough money to convince a Klan member to sell them a large space, so they can start a blues club. They plan a big opening night for their family and friends, with music, drinking and dancing. Things take a turn for the terrifying and unexplainable when a group of strangers show up asking to be invited to the party.

Sinners (131 minutes, plus a post-credit scene) takes its time getting to the carnage. The first half introduces the setting, tone, characters and themes. It says a lot of Coogler’s skill as a filmmaker that he always keeps this interesting. It never drags or feels aimless. Coogler knows what he wants to say and how he wants to tell this story. He is world-building to get us invested, as well as pay attention to what he is saying, before he fully gives the audience what they came to see. The characters are familiar, sure, yet they feel specific to this world because Coogler is constantly clear on their purpose. I cared about them enough to want to see how they would react or where the arc would lead them. The plotting is so tied in to what they represent in the context of the metaphor Coogler is using that it all feels very much of a piece.

His usage of music is particularly remarkable. With the exception of one fantastic party scene that links generations, it is period faithful. It is such an important part of these people’s lives, especially the blues. Somehow, it is soulful when they play it, but menacing and just plain wrong when it comes from the vampires. There is something off-putting about the approach of Remmick and his followers, how friendly and welcoming they appear to be. They present their singing as neighborly. Instead, it is intrusive. It is a brilliant thematic device and Coogler uses it effectively.

Besides the direction, the best element of Sinners is the dual performance of Michael B. Jordan as Smoke and Stack. He makes them unique personalities, with different postures and ways of talking. It truly is incredible work by him, probably the best of his career. After their introduction, I was always able to tell which one I was looking at. He is given tremendous support by a debuting Miles Caton as their young cousin, a blues prodigy, and Delroy Lindo as a seasoned musician who has seen a lot in his time. In general, the cast is good, but these are the standouts.

Sinners is an expertly crafted genre movie, along with everything else it is, though it definitely seems like that is what will get people to see it. Ryan Coogler has already proven he knows how to make crowd-pleasing entertainment that has more slightly below the surface. This is his fifth feature, the first from his own completely original concept, and the best thing he has done so far.

4½ out of 5

Cast:

Michael B. Jordan as Smoke and Stack

Miles Caton as Sammie Moore

Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim

Wunmi Mosaku as Annie

Hailee Steinfeld as Mary

Jack O’Connell as Remmick

Written/Directed by Ryan Coogler