REVIEW: Sinners (Michael B Jordan)

Vinni Misa reviews the film Sinners starring Michael B Jordan and directed by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler.

SINNERS is the latest film from Ryan Coogler, best known for directing Creed and Black Panther.

A Southern Gothic horror film starring Michael B. Jordan in twin roles as Stack and Smoke, WWI veterans and bootleggers who return home to Mississippi to start a new life only to be met by malevolent forces.

Ryan Coogler really loves to immerse his audiences in the settings of his films. Whether it’s Philly’s brotherly love or the fictional Afrofuturist nation of Wakanda, he puts you into the setting. In Sinners, he takes his time to introduce 1930’s Mississippi through neighborhoods, stories, and of course the Blues; an intergral part of the plot. Speaking of, Coogler collaborator and Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson composes another masterpiece by blending in Delta Blues to his score, to create an ominous but disarming presence throughout the film. As for the screenplay, Coogler does a good job of blending in horrors of vampires with the real horrors of 1930’s Southern America, as well as writing dialogue that makes use of the jargons of the period.

Another worthy of praise is the cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, whose compositions compliment Coogler’s immersive direction.

Michael B. Jordan was convincing in his scenes as twins that you’d be fooled into thinking he actually has a twin. The fact that he’s able to pull off a chemistry with himself is impressive.

Breakout star Miles Caton delivers in both his acting chops and pipes as the twins’ cousin Sammie, a gifted Blues musician.

Jack O’Connell as the film’s main villain Remmick is your run of the mill charming but terrifying vampire, but O’Connell’s charisma is enough to make an otherwise stereotypical vampire role become memorable.

Overall, Ryan Coogler’s foray into horror is an impressive one that relies on heart, suspense, and dread than cheap jumpscares. He takes his time to make you care for the characters before driving the horror elements into full gear. I rate Sinners a 10/10.

Thank you to Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema for the advanced screening!