Over the last few years, I’ve made it a point to dodge any piece of fiction with a hint of horror in it. So why on earth did I volunteer to watch Sinners? Simple, my YouTube algorithm suggested a Hot Ones video featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Michael B. Jordan. I didn’t care what Sinners was about after that. I just dove straight in. 

Leading up to the screening date I did have my qualms. After checking out one trailer, I saw that there will be vampires and that it’s supposed to be terrifying. Still, I persisted. After all, it’s another Ryan Coogler x Michael B. Jordan collaboration with Hailee Steinfeld to boot. 

Drawing people in with an A-List cast, director, and billing it as a vampire romp. I was all in. Fast forward to the end of the film and I felt like there was a bait and switch. Yes, there were vampires, but the trailers appeared to show one movie when the actual film was something else entirely. And I mean that in the best way possible. 

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD.

Not just another vampire movie 

If you’re in here for the vampires and the vampires alone, you’ll find yourself waiting quite a bit. Sinners takes it sweet time introducing you to every key character first. It was only about a little over an hour into the film before we got any tangible vampire sighting. But that’s because the movie is more than just about the vampires. 

Smoke and Stack – the twin brothers played by Michael B. Jordan – return to their hometown after making it big in Chicago. The film primarily focuses on them and their cousin Sammie Moore played by Miles Caton who is an absolute revelation in this film. 

One of the supernatural aspects showcased in the film is how, sometimes, transcendent musicians are able to conjure the music from both the past and present and attract various other supernatural forces due to their inherent talent alone. And Sammie is one hell of a talent. 

It’s his talent that ultimately draws in the vampires. When starts to truly rip it at the juke joint that Smoke and Stack sought to open in the setup stage of the film, the film truly takes-off.

When we meet the rest of the cast, we are also slowly exposed to the film’s setting. The film is set during a time when African American people are still openly oppressed and hunted by the Ku Kux Klan or KKK. It’s a tumultuous time in America.  

The first hour or so serves to establish the characters, the place, and the inciting incident.

It doesn’t take too long to realize that while the vampires are a real threat, the people in the juke joint were also already facing a clear and present danger but not of the supernatural kind. 

Music, lore, and more

I am truly out of my depth when it comes to all the music and lore presented in Sinners. But in the context of the film, viewers should easily make the connection between these local folklores, the role of Blues music, and religion. 

Some of it shows that although overpowering humans in nearly every way imaginable, vampires can’t just go wherever they want. They need to be invited in first. It’s this ‘rule’ or ‘mechanic’ that creates the tension as the film ramps up to its climactic confrontation. 

One of the immediate reactions I saw online about the film is how it’s ‘a celebration of African-American culture’ and that absolutely hits the nail on the head. 

Director Ryan Coogler draws from his personal experiences growing up and weaves an inquisitive story. He tugs on the strings of the music and lore of African Americans, how it’s been co-opted by other races, and people’s general attitude toward the culture. 

What does it mean to be free?

The film has a mid-credits and post credits scene. I would say the true ending is the mid-credits scene. It is there where the message of the film truly hits. 

We already know that African Americans suffer racism even to this day. It’s in the way that the presence of vampires, the Blues music that Sammie plays, and the choices made throughout the entire film come full circle. 

To me, at least, the film asks what it means to be truly free? What does Freedom entail? 

It’s hard to explain all of these without spoiling the film so I’ll leave it at that. 

An audio-visual treat that will make you think

Sinners is an extremely measured story. Everything from the setting, the music, and the supernatural elements involved feel intentional. They all serve to force us to confront the cultural appropriation still going on today. 

All of these deeply layered themes and invitations for deep self-inquisition are served on a film that’s beautifully scored and shot. 

Sinners is a treat to the ears, eyes, and a challenge to the mind.

Oh and yeah, this:

hailee steinfeld in sinners lord have fucking mercy man pic.twitter.com/WfTJxTvv9O

— zoë rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) April 19, 2025