By Maalik Hawkins
Trinity Times Movie Reviewer

Ryan Coogler, best known for Marvel’s Black Panther films and the Creed trilogy, steps into the horror genre for the first time with Sinners. As with his previous work, Coogler infuses the film with rich explorations of history and culture, providing a deeply engaging backdrop that connects viewers to the setting and characters.

In Sinners, Coogler tackles the complexities of race relations and social division through a supernatural lens. Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who flee the South for Chicago in search of a better life. Their journey unfolds upon their return to the South in parallel with that of the villain, Remmick — an Irish vampire played by Jack O’Connell — whose character may be surprisingly relatable to audiences despite his role as antagonist.

The film’s cast also includes Delroy Lindo (Dead Presidents) and Omar Miller (Miracle at St. Anna), whose performances may evoke nostalgia for viewers born before 1999. Jordan is joined by Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku, both of whom deliver powerful performances. Steinfeld portrays a mixed-race woman in love with a Black man, adding soulful emotional depth, while Mosaku’s character fiercely protects Black culture and history amid the supernatural threats of the Jim Crow era.

While marketed as a horror film, Sinners doesn’t lean heavily into scares. Instead, it offers cultural reflection and emotional resonance. Even regarding the vampire who seeks the power of another to connect with his ancestors, it’s hard to despise him.

The film aims to bring people together and highlight shared cultural connections. It offers an opportunity for marginalized communities to come together and celebrate a film that emphasizes the significance of unity over merely fighting against racism. Overall, it serves more as a celebration of culture than as a debate.

Coogler’s storytelling may be at its most ambitious during a mid-film sequence that blends past, present and future — a scene some viewers have found confusing. To me, if you didn’t grasp that segment of the movie, you may have missed its deeper meaning regarding the significance of culture and history, and how these elements shape our future.

The film explores the universal human longing for connection to the past. It visualizes the sentiment of many when they say they hear their ancestors talking to them, regardless of their background. Music, too, is central to the film’s emotional impact. It is portrayed as a force that transcends time, space and cultural boundaries.

While social media has been rife with criticism from some Christians over the film’s portrayal of religion, my good friend Justin Hoyte — who I consider very devout — felt the movie showed a deep respect for faith and spiritual principles.

“As a Christian, there were moments where I started to feel a bit off, but that shifted when I saw the roots of love and faith in the characters,” Hoyte said. “From Sam’s love for his father, family and music to Smoke and Stack’s love for one another and their kin. Even with Annie, her strong faith and respect for her ancestors is something I could only admire. Though her faith isn’t clearly defined, you see the powerful instances of her faith and prayer. Just goes to show there’s so many ways we as humans can pray and worship — this film does a great job portraying that.”

Even without the supernatural elements, the historical context and the story of the brothers opening a juke joint and forming their band remain highly engaging. That storyline alone could stand as the film’s synopsis and still captivate audiences.

Coogler’s world-building allows the film to shine both on the big screen and via home streaming, but the theatrical experience is especially rewarding. Sinners has already grossed $200 million — a notable accomplishment for an R-rated horror film — and is receiving a second wave of IMAX screenings.

Though not traditionally frightening, Sinners is beautifully acted and well-produced, scratching the itch for thriller fans while offering the kind of historical depth that will appeal to scholars and culture-lovers alike.

Sinners might be the best film I have seen this year. People of all colors and creeds would likely enjoy this film. It perfectly combines history, thriller and culture in a way that appeals to many.

Everyday Moviegoers – 9.9/10
Critics – 9.7/10
Cinephiles – 9.7/10

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Maalik Hawkins is a recent graduate of Trinity Washington University.