The latest film from director Ryan Coogler is sure to divide audiences. What may seem like a standard supernatural horror carries deep messages on race, politics, and the role of Black culture in world history. However, as a film, its acting, writing, cinematography, and use of music all sync to create what could be Coogler’s strongest outing yet.
Set in October 1932, SINNERS follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) as they return to Clarksdale, Missouri, after time spent in Chicago as gangsters under Al Capone. With stolen mob money, they buy an old sawmill from a racist landowner to open a juke joint for the local Black community—a place to relax, have fun, and feel safe.
As they reconnect with old faces, they gather a team: their cousin and aspiring blues guitarist Sammie (Miles Canton, in his debut), piano player Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), singer Pearline (Jayme Lawson), occult expert and Smoke’s former flame Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) as cook/bartender, sharecropper friend Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) as bouncer, and shopkeepers Bo and Grace Chow (Yao and Li Jun Li) as suppliers. Also in the mix is Mary (Hailee Steinfeld), Stack’sformer lover.
But amid the music, dancing, and good times, the joint attracts something darker—something that threatens to destroy the brothers’ dream.
What first grabs you about SINNERS is the stunning camera work and rich cinematography. The Southern setting is portrayed beautifully, but with an underlying tragedy. Cotton fields, dusty roads, blue skies, and a vibrant juke joint sit beneath the harsh reality of the Jim Crow South. At night, as things unravel, the camera shifts into chaotic focus, moving between threads but lingering just long enough on each character to set up a thrilling, layered third act.
Music, especially the blues, plays a major role. Sammie, a preacher’s son, is drawn to it despite his father’s (Saul Williams) warnings. When he plays at the juke joint—urged on by Delta Slim—it becomes a transcendent moment. He conjures the spirits of past and future generations, all dancing to his guitar. It’s a powerful sequence that shows Coogler’sbelief in the cultural and spiritual power of Black music.
Michael B. Jordan delivers standout dual performances, making each brother distinct. Lindo brings grit and heart to Delta Slim. Mosaku plays Annie with a reserved fierceness—scarred but strong. But the breakout is Miles Canton as Sammie. His debut is so strong that he occasionally overshadows veterans like Jordan and Lindo. Jordan’s chemistry with Mosaku and Steinfeld also adds emotional depth, proof of tight writing.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes, SINNERS packs in character, story, action, and symbolism. It’s a film that rewards repeat viewings—each one revealing more thematic depth and detail.
A heads-up: the mid-credits scene isn’t just a Marvel-style bonus. It’s the real ending, closing the story in full. Don’t miss it.
SINNERS is a visceral experience with a lot to say. Strong writing, standout performances, and lush visuals make it a must-see. And its deeper themes give you something to think about long after the credits roll.
