Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Delroy Lindo
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Thriller
Rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language.
Runtime: 2h 17m
Review:
Sinners echoes more than a few beats from 1997's From Dusk Till Dawn but Ryan Coogler elevates the pulpy material with his lush visuals, a multilayered script and stellar cast. Coogler's trek through the Jim Crow era south instantly pops off the screen with its distinctive look and feel as we follow identical twins, Smoke and Stack, return to Mississippi. He slowly weaves musical elements into the narrative to create something truly special exemplified by a time blending set piece that marks one of the film's highlights. It’s a slow burn early on, as he gives his characters and actors time to breathe before moving into the film's gleefully gory final act. Coogler takes full advantage of the collection of immensely talented cast led by Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. Jordan is pitch perfect in both roles, giving each of the twin’s distinctive personalities paired with a believable sense of fraternal affection for each other. Each character carries so much subtext intertwined with each interaction that is makes for another fascinating performance from Jordan proving again that Coogler knows how to bring out the best in him. Miles Caton making his screen debut as Sammie Moore, the twins’ younger cousin, leaves an impression throughout thanks to his baritone voice and musical talents which are on full display. Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo both make the most of their screentime with memorable supporting turns that leave you wishing the film had used them more. Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson are both solid but their character's feel like they needed a tad bit more fleshing out to really leave a more substantial impact. Jack O'Connell makes for an intriguing villain as the Irish vampire who unleashes the vampiric plague on the unsuspecting town. O'Connell gives the character an unpredictable feeling with him being able to turn from understated to menacing in an instant. There's plenty packed into his backstory much like the Sinner's story overall which leaves you with plenty to chew on even after the credits roll.
A-
