Sinners (2025): A Soulful and Haunting Cinematic Experience

The gift of music conjures spirits from the past and future.

Sinners is a 2025 film set in 1930s Mississippi. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack return to their hometown to escape their troubled past. When they successfully open a juke joint that headlines blues rifts, they are confronted by a supernatural evil.

If only you could go back and watch a film for the first time again. Watching Sinners in theaters was an experience. It takes viewers on a wild fantasy adventure layered with rich narratives. This film is the definition of heart in filmmaking. Sinners is an astonishing film that blends themes about race, music, and dark fantasy.

Michael B. Jordan plays two characters, twin brothers, Smoke and Stack. I’ve noticed that more films have had twin storylines, allowing actors to play two roles. Oscars, I hope you’re watching future nominations closely because Jordan’s performance is mesmerizing. Before this film, Jordan had never done a horror film, which is what motivated him to star in Sinners.

The same goes for Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary. I couldn’t believe this is the same actress from True Grit (2010). She has grown impeccably as an actress. Steinfeld admitted that working on Sinners was an eye-opening experience. She connected to the story based on her ancestral roots. She also wrote and recorded the song, ‘Dangerous.’

Sinners introduces Miles Caton as Sammie Moore in his film debut. He is remarkable and has a soothing singing voice. The film casts the stellar talents of Saul Williams, Audrene Ward-Hammond, Jack O’Connell, Tenaj L. Jackson, and David Maldonado achieve commendable performances.

The cinematography in Sinners is outstanding and catches the audience's attention from the first frame. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw skillfully builds a vivid and animated world. Every single shot of this movie defines the magnitude of the story and its setting. Filmmaker Christopher Nolan helped with the 65mm screen ratio.

Ryan Coogler made a film about socialism, music, and horror. His inspiration for the film was based on a Twilight Zone episode. I always like researching behind-the-scenes stories on films, and Sinners has fascinating anecdotes.

Sinners has melodious beats. Filmmakers collaborated with Ludwig Goransson, who composed the film’s score. All the music was mostly recorded live on-set alongside actual blues musicians. Music is also a character and a foreboding element. Coogler drew inspiration from Metallica when scoring the film.

Filmmakers worked together closely on this film, distinguishing subtle touches regarding the story’s setting and how the camera captures the perspective.

In case you walk into Sinners totally blind, this film takes a horror/fantasy direction. I’ll admit I went back and forth on whether this concept worked. Yes, indeed, it does. Movies always need to take risks. The chilling premise serves as an allegory to racism and how it impacts a community.

Sinners is a masterclass in genre fusion, seamlessly blending elements of horror, musical, and historical drama. Coogler’s narrative is enriched by his exploration of cultural parallels, notably between African American blues and Irish folk traditions, highlighting shared histories of struggle and resilience. ​

One can interpret the film in several ways. Even the actors had unique interpretations. My interpretation is that everyone can’t get away with their actions. You’re going to have to pay the price to some degree.

Sinners is a hauntingly atmospheric story. Fair warning, the horror angle becomes graphic, incorporating bloody makeup effects. You must see Sinners while it’s still in theaters. The big screen amplifies the experience. Another tip: walk into this movie totally blind. It’s a phenomenal movie experience that was enjoyed by all.