Sinners Movie Review: Michael B Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku power a haunting, brilliantly crafted vampire thriller

Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B Jordan), recently returned from Chicago after serving in World War I.

‘Sinners’ is a genre-defying film that deserves recognition for its bold narrative choices and inventive storytelling. Ryan Coogler crafts a tale that resists easy categorization, drawing from the vampire mythos, deep-rooted Southern blues culture, African American history, and the threat of white supremacy. Rather than fitting neatly into horror, drama, or western, it weaves elements of each into something wholly original.

The result is a film that feels at once familiar and entirely new. Viewers may be reminded of films like ‘From Dusk Till Dawn,’ ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’, or a dusty western, yet ‘Sinners’ never imitates—it reinvents. Coogler’s deliberate world-building in the early half pays off when the film hits top gear, delivering a gripping second act that sustains momentum until the very end.
A night of music, blood and survival

Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B Jordan), recently returned from Chicago after serving in World War I. Their mission is to open a juke joint—a space of joy, music, and momentary escape for the Black community. Assisting them are cousin Sammie Moore (Miles Caton), a skilled guitarist, and Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), a seasoned harmonica player.

They are joined by Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), Smoke’s estranged wife and a spiritual healer, as well as Bo (Yao) and Grace (Helena Hu), a Chinese couple running a local shop who help with catering. Tension escalates when three white strangers—Remmick (Jack O’Connell), Joan (Lola Kirke), and Bert (Peter Dreimanis)—pose as musicians and try to enter the venue, only to be denied. Hoping to secure much-needed money to run the joint, Stack’s former lover Mary approaches them, only to fall prey to Remmick, a vampire. What unfolds next is a harrowing night of survival, as Smoke and his allies confront a terrifying assault.

Rich characters in a distinct setting

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its careful character development during the first half. Coogler immerses viewers in the atmosphere of 1930s Mississippi, complete with dusty landscapes, period-accurate styling, and a blues soundtrack that itself becomes a character in the film. The ensemble cast is introduced with care—Delta Slim, Sammie Moore, Mary, Annie, and the Chows—all adding texture to the community the film portrays. These individuals aren’t just narrative accessories; they each get moments to shine in the film. The party sequence at the juke joint—filled with song, movement, and anticipation—becomes the turning point. Once Remmick, the lead vampire, is unleashed, the pace of the film quickens and doesn’t let up. What follows is a series of confrontations laced with bloodshed and defiance.

Standout performances across the board

Michael B Jordan takes on the dual role of Smoke and Stack with nuance, distinguishing the two through subtle body language and temperament. His chemistry with both Mary and Annie adds emotional depth. Jordan’s commitment to Coogler’s vision is evident—this is a performance that prioritizes internal conflict over spectacle. Hailee Steinfeld delivers a measured portrayal of Mary, whose transformation into a vampire brings tragedy and tension in equal parts. Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim is magnetic, while Miles Caton’s turn as Sammie Moore brings warmth to the film. But it’s Wunmi Mosaku who emerges as the film’s emotional anchor and steals the spotlight. As Annie, she brings strength, sorrow, and spirituality to the role of a woman tethered to pain and purpose. Her scenes resonate deeply, elevating the emotional texture of the film.A thrilling story with cultural resonance

‘Sinners’ thrives on a tight screenplay that wastes no time and never loses momentum. Beyond the genre thrills, the film offers pointed social commentary. Through characters like Delta Slim, who notes, “They like our music but not us,” Coogler makes a comment on the erasure that often accompany Black cultural expression. The presence of the Ku Klux Klan looms over the story, sharpening the film’s subtext and reminding viewers of the real-life horrors Black communities faced during this era. Coogler, who previously made his mark with ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther,’ demonstrates new maturity here. ‘Sinners’ is a unique cinematic experience that succeeds thanks to its inventive storytelling.
Cast: Michael B Jordan, Miles Canton, Jack O’Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo

Director: Ryan Coogler

Rating: 3.5/5