Film Review - Sinners
Images courtesy of Warner Bros.
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed, Black Panther), is one of the most unique movies I have seen this year and is more than worth the price of admission. Describing what happens in Sinners is difficult - it’s a story that begs to be experienced. Taking place in the Mississippi South post World War 1, Sinners primarily follows identical twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), former gangsters and veterans of the war who return to their hometown to purchase a juke joint for the local black community. Their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), an aspiring blues guitarist, also joins them despite opposition from his pastor father, who warns that blues music is supernatural. Sure enough, their bar attracts the attention of an Irish-immigrant vampire Remmick (Jack O’Connell), who seeks to turn and assimilate them all into vampires - especially Sammie, whose music has the power to transcend spirits from both the past and the present. In short, Sinners is about a lot more than just vampires!
Despite taking place in the Mississippi South and following predominantly black characters, Sinners isn’t a film simply about racism. Its themes are more focused on identity, community and redemption. Michael B. Jordan does a fantastic job playing identical twins with their own unique personalities, his performances feel like a polar opposite to De Niro’s gimmicky twin double role in recent release The Alto Knights - it was easy to forget that Michael B. Jordan was playing both characters, both of his performances are completely immersive. However, the true standout was actually Miles Caton as Sammie, who gives an unbelievable performance in a first-time role on the big screen! He is able to both carry the character's emotions and perform in a musical role as a blues musician, both as a vocalist and guitarist (picking up the instrument after he was cast).
Overall, there is a lot to like about Sinners for any movie-goer. There are some really deep themes thrown in with vampire hunting. The cast does an incredible job with some recognisable faces along with an up-and-comer. The film also looks absolutely gorgeous, being shot on 65mm film. I will be seeing this one for a second time as there is a lot you can get out of this film, and it is an absolute must-see in cinemas - with an added bonus if you can get to an IMAX screening.
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Sinners is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.