Sinners Review by Pratham Kumar

Sinners (2025) – A Film That Found Me

By Pratham Kumar

A Cinematic Revelation

Sometimes, a film doesn't just entertain—it resonates, challenges, and enlightens. Sinners was one such film that found me unexpectedly, leaving an indelible mark.

The trailer immediately captivated me: gothic horror, vampire mythology, and a brooding atmosphere—all elements I cherish in cinema. The added allure of Michael B. Jordan portraying twin brothers heightened my anticipation.

Jordan's involvement was particularly meaningful. Beyond his acting prowess, his unwavering stance against racial injustice has been deeply inspiring. In 2020, amidst nationwide protests following the deaths of George Floyd, Alton Sterling, and Philando Castile, Jordan actively participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Los Angeles. During these events, he delivered impassioned speeches urging Hollywood to invest in Black staff and to tell more Black stories, emphasizing the industry's role in shaping societal narratives.

Beyond activism, Jordan has implemented tangible changes within the film industry. He was among the first major actors to adopt an inclusion rider—a contractual provision that mandates diversity in casting and production staff—for his production company, Outlier Society Productions. Furthermore, he launched the #ChangeHollywood initiative in collaboration with Color of Change, aiming to provide a roadmap for combating systemic racism in the entertainment industry.

Jordan's involvement in Sinners is a continuation of his dedication to projects that confront social injustices. His participation signals a commitment to storytelling that not only entertains but also educates and inspires change.

Unveiling Historical Horrors

Contrary to expectations of immediate supernatural thrills, Sinners delves into the grim realities of America's past. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the narrative centres on twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Jordan), who return from Chicago to establish a juke joint in their hometown. Their venture is not just a business endeavour but a defiant act against the pervasive racism and violence of the era, epitomized by the Ku Klux Klan.

The film's first half is a poignant exploration of Black life during the Jim Crow era, highlighting the community's resilience amidst systemic oppression. This grounding in historical reality amplifies the impact of the ensuing horror elements, making the supernatural threats a metaphor for the real-life monstrosities of racism and hatred.

Sammie: The Soul of the Story

Central to the film's narrative is Sammie Moore, affectionately known as "Preacher Boy," portrayed by newcomer Miles Caton. Sammie is a young musician torn between his religious upbringing and his passion for the blues. His character embodies the struggle between tradition and self-expression, a theme that resonates deeply within the Black experience.

Sammie's musical performances are not mere interludes; they serve as spiritual awakenings. His blues guitar playing transcends time, summoning ancestral spirits and connecting the past with the present. This supernatural element underscores the power of music as a conduit for cultural memory and resistance.

Caton's portrayal of Sammie is both heartfelt and transformative. His journey from a hesitant performer to a confident artist mirrors the broader narrative of Black empowerment and autonomy. Sammie's music becomes a form of defiance, challenging societal norms and asserting the value of Black artistry.

A Fusion of Culture and Horror

Sinners masterfully intertwines cultural elements with its horror narrative. The juke joint becomes a symbol of Black cultural expression, with music serving as a conduit for both joy and resistance. The character of Sammie, a gifted blues musician and the twins' cousin, embodies this spirit. His performances are not mere entertainment but acts of spiritual and cultural significance, connecting the living with ancestral legacies.

The film's portrayal of Black culture—its pain, pride, and pursuit of autonomy—is reminiscent of Black Panther. While Black Panther celebrated African heritage through the fictional nation of Wakanda, Sinners grounds its narrative in the African American experience, confronting historical injustices while celebrating cultural resilience.

A Lasting Impact

Sinners is more than a cinematic experience; it's a cultural milestone that resonates on multiple levels. By intertwining horror elements with a rich tapestry of Black history and culture, the film offers a narrative that is both haunting and enlightening.

At its core, Sinners confronts the historical exploitation of Black artistry. The film's portrayal of vampires as metaphors for cultural appropriation—entities that consume and commodify Black creativity—serves as a powerful allegory for real-world dynamics. This narrative choice compels viewers to reflect on the systemic challenges Black artists have faced and continue to encounter in preserving the authenticity of their work.

The character of Sammie, a young blues musician, embodies the soul of the film. His music acts as a conduit between the living and the ancestral, emphasizing the role of art as a vessel for cultural memory and resistance. Sammie's journey from a hesitant performer to a confident artist mirrors the broader narrative of Black empowerment and autonomy.

Moreover, the film's setting—a 1930s Mississippi juke joint—serves as a microcosm of Black communal spaces that have historically been centres of resistance, joy, and cultural expression. By showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of such spaces, Sinners pays homage to the indomitable spirit of Black communities.

The film's impact extends beyond its narrative. It challenges genre conventions, blending horror with historical realism, and in doing so, redefines the possibilities of storytelling in cinema. Sinners doesn't just entertain; it educates, provokes thought, and inspires dialogue about the intersections of art, history, and identity.

In an era where representation and authenticity in media are paramount, Sinners stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping cultural consciousness. It's a film that lingers in the mind, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the richness of Black heritage.