In the horror genre, movies can really be hit or miss these days, but when it’s a hit, it’s outstanding. Ryan Coogler offers a thought-provoking horror film without relying heavily on sexually charged imagery and romance. Well, I admit Michael B. Jordan is attractive and romance is included, but it’s not the takeaway. The film explores what it means to be black in 1930s America, and the perception of found freedom and power. Vampiricism is not just used for horror, but as a way to showcase the reality of the ‘freedom’ that Smoke and Stack believe they have reached.
While they have built a beautiful space where their community can relish in their culture, their dreams are dashed as head vampire, Remmick, reveals the fate of their purchase. Remmick doesn’t view himself as a villain, but rather as an option to live outside the English-colonizer society. While Remmick is white, he’s of Irish descent, and understands (to an obviously lesser extent) the binding life they face. It’s a unique take on horror that urges you to take a moment to reflect, and also buy another ticket to see it.
Aside from this being a great horror movie, it’s simply a fantastic movie all around. The attention to detail amazed me, and it’s beautifully shot. I specifically loved the scenes outside during the day, which had some gorgeous lighting and were a great contrast to the danger outside at night. Additionally, as expected, Michael B. Jordan gives a phenomenal performance as both Smoke and Stack, pulling off the contrasting characters with ease.
Sinners blew me away, and I recommend it to all. Even if you’re not a horror fan, you will need to sit through it.
The scene inside the juke when Sammie sings, which many online are referring to as “THAT SCENE,” truly deserves the hyped label. For starters, Miles Caton has a fantastic voice that really sells Annie’s statement, “There are legends of people born with the gift of making music, so true it can pierce the veil between life and death, conjuring spirits from the past and the future.” The filming and editing of the scene pull this statement all together and leave you in awe.
While I was enjoying the film throughout, what sold it for me was the first end-credit scene, and I wish it had played before the credits started to roll. The admission that it was the best day of their lives before Remmick appeared rocked me to my core. The taste of freedom and the chance to revel in their community and culture on their terms still stood out after experiencing such trauma and disaster, and ending on that hit me harder than the original ‘end.’
Overall, Sinners blew me away, and I recommend it to all. Even if you’re not a horror fan, you will need to sit through it. Put this on the Oscars Best Picture list now. It already deserves it, and I will riot if it doesn’t make the list.