
Trailblazing Director Ryan Coogler Dishes Out a Unique Genre Collusion in His Latest Film "Sinners"
- Apr 15, 2025
Ryan Coogler, known for his critically lauded films "Fruitvale Station," "Creed," and Marvel's "Black Panther," has once again showcased his filmmaking prowess with his first original feature "Sinners." Much more than a simple horror flick, the film is an evocative portrayal of life in the racially charged Jim Crow South era and a reflection on the struggle of freedom. Through Coogler's creative storytelling, it resonates distinctly across multiplexes and arthouse cinemas alike.
In the film, Michael B. Jordan plays dual roles as brothers Smoke and Stack. Surviving harsh realities of WWI trenches and Chicago gangland, they arrive back to their hometown in Mississippi in 1932, dressed in sophisticated attire and a truckload of liquor. They plan to buy a disused mill, threatening the local Klan members not to interfere in their endeavors. Other characters like the traumatized sharecropper, Sammie (Miles Caton), and the old-time musician, Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), all have histories and attributes that add richness to the story.
Apart from the nail-biting suspense that unfolds as the story progresses, Coogler also introduces a tinge of romance to the narrative. However, the most compelling among the love stories is that of Smoke and his reunion with Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), a Hoodoo conjurer and spiritual healer. Their shared past and the sensuality portrayed by both actors is palpable and grounds the narrative amidst the escalating horror that lies ahead.

The film evolves into a violent bloodbath, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The brilliant climax, the unsettling characters, and the expertly created suspense make this film a truly unique experience for horror lovers. While some viewers might find the slow plotting of Coogler's scene-setting irksome initially, once the film gets its grips into the plot, it's an adrenaline-pumping ride with significant payoffs.
"Sinners" has plenty to say about race and the concept of spiritual freedom and exhibits moments of poetic horror that disrupt conventional notions of the genre. While it may not be in the same league as Jordan Peele's socio-political horror films, it's a unique experience that offers an insightful exploration of some critical societal issues. Meant to be seen on the largest possible screen and accompanied by a loud sound system, "Sinners" is a testament to Coogler's filmmaking abilities and a cinematic experience worth the watch.
