Horror films featuring Black characters have a long history, but the genre’s resurgence has brought forward a new wave of innovative films that transform the U.S.’s racial history into compelling supernatural stories. One such film is Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler. It draws from classic vampire lore to tell a poignant tale about Black Americans in the South during a time when their freedom was uncertain.
Coogler’s Sinners* is a deeply personal project that blends fear, style, and allure, showcasing the magic that cinema can bring to the screen. The film doesn’t reinvent the vampire genre but adds a vibrant energy to it, highlighting Coogler’s evolving creativity.
The twins Elijah, known as "Smoke," and Elias, called "Stack" (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), are notorious troublemakers. They return to Mississippi from Chicago, where they became gangsters after fighting in WWI, and are still infamous for their antics. Smoke, the more calculated twin, and Stack, the charmer, work seamlessly together on their schemes.
Smoke and Stack trust only each other due to their harsh upbringing and the dangers faced as Black men in the Jim Crow era. They see an opportunity in some illicit gains to return home and realize their business aspirations.
Set within a single day, Sinners* begins with an intense sequence foreshadowing the horror awaiting the twins in the South. However, the film initially focuses more on the human adversities, like those who perpetuate racial violence, before diving into its supernatural elements. It illustrates the ever-present hope amidst adversity, depicting the beauty that drives the brothers back to their roots.
Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw capture this return with beautiful scenes that highlight Mississippi’s grandeur and underline the South’s wealth built on Black labor.
As Smoke and Stack reconnect with old friends to build their nightclub, *the film highlights what Black communities have managed to create despite systemic obstacles.
The film’s pace and narrative focus allow audiences to become invested in the characters’ lives. Only when a character like Remmick (Jack O’Connell) is introduced does the film shift gears into horror, revealing its true nature as a thrilling story for horror fans.
Coogler, known for the Black Panther films, brings his unique storytelling to Sinners. Rather than reinventing vampires, he uses traditional lore, while characters display a contemporary horror movie awareness. When the undead attacks commence, the film evolves into a survival thriller reminiscent of Night of the Living Dead, 30 Days of Night, and Attack the Block.
Despite its straight narrative, Sinners* uses music effectively to evoke deep emotions, with sound design enhancing its immersive world. One standout scene traces modern Black American culture’s roots back to African traditions.
The true brilliance of Sinners is its ability to entertain even as tension rises and hope dwindles. Coogler has crafted a film that not only captivates but also places him among the top tier of modern storytellers.
The cast of Sinners* also includes Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Helena Hu, Lola Kirke, Peter Dreimanis, Saul Williams, and Buddy Guy. The movie will premiere in theaters on April 18th.
