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Let’s be real, vampire movies can be hit or miss. But Sinners? This one’s a hit. Set in 1932 Mississippi, it’s a fresh take on the classic Southern vampire story, infused with Black mythology thanks to the visionary Ryan Coogler.

Recently, we’ve seen a much-needed surge in horror films centered around Black characters, and Sinners is a shining example of how it should be done. It cleverly uses the backdrop of Jim Crow-era America to create a captivating supernatural story that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.

The setting alone—a juke joint deep in the woods—is inspired. It’s so much better than the typical isolated cabin trope, creating a perfect atmosphere for a Black horror film set in that specific time. The movie doesn’t rush into the vampire action. You get to know the characters first, and the supernatural elements slowly creep into the picture. It’s a smart approach; Sinners is more than just a vamp movie. It blends suspense, style, and even a touch of sexiness, creating something truly unique. It builds the tension perfectly, making the arrival of the vampires that much more impactful.

Coogler’s genius lies in seamlessly blending the blues era with the supernatural horror elements, even throwing in some musical numbers that completely work. It’s a surprising mix, but it’s done beautifully. The music, from the characters’ performances to Ludwig Göransson’s fantastic score, is a huge part of what makes the movie so special.

And then there’s Michael B. Jordan, a clear favorite of Coogler’s (as evidenced by their collaborations on Fruitvale Station, Black Panther, and Creed). He doesn’t just play one role; he plays two! As twin brothers Smoke and Stack, Jordan masterfully shows the subtle differences between them. It’s not just in the costumes or facial expressions; it’s in their personalities and how they approach love and life. One is sensitive; the other is ruthless. Beyond the incredible performances, Sinners brilliantly showcases the ingenuity and resilience of Black Americans and other communities of color in building something beautiful despite facing immense hardship. This is a great period piece, but don’t forget – it’s still a vampire movie with some serious gore!

Along with Jordan’s twin characters, we see a team coming together to fight the vampires. It’s awesome to see Grace (Li Jun Li) and Bo (Yao), a Chinese-American couple, get involved. Then there’s the unforgettable Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), and the guitar prodigy Sammie (Miles Caton). Even past romantic relationships can’t stop them from uniting against a common enemy. Throw in some past romantic entanglements (Wunmi Mosaku) and (Hailee Steinfeld), and you’ve got a recipe for some intense drama.

Rather than trying to reinvent the vampire mythos, Coogler sticks to the basics—sunlight is bad, you need an invitation, garlic repels them, and the thirst for blood is immediate. But it’s smart; the living characters are savvy enough to recognize that they’re dealing with vampires. It’s a familiar trope in Black horror, and it’s executed perfectly here.

The film’s release on Good Friday adds another intriguing layer. The tagline, “We are all sinners,” is spot-on, especially with the movie’s opening scene in a church. The vampires primarily feed at night, preying on the revelry and “sin” happening in the juke joint—the drinking, dancing, music, and even fighting. This could be interpreted as them targeting people already on a destructive path, dragging them deeper into darkness. It makes you think. In many vampire films, vampirism resembles a cult, constantly seeking vulnerable victims. Sinners cleverly plays with this idea.

The church, a symbol of faith and protection, remains blissfully unaware of the nocturnal horrors unfolding in the juke joint. But does that make churchgoers automatically sinless? Absolutely not. The film subtly suggests that the church’s daytime services offer a kind of protection, purely by chance—the vampires operate under the cover of darkness. However, what if a night service were held? Would the vampires not strike then too? And let’s face it, the idea of “energy vampires” creating their own cults isn’t far-fetched. Even within the church, hypocrisy and scandal exist, reinforcing the film’s central theme: “We are all sinners.”

While I won’t spoil the ending, it’s clear that the survivors’ choices and motivations—their intentions—play a crucial role in their survival. Whether it’s spiritual strength or resourceful problem-solving, their actions shield them from both the literal and metaphorical “energy vampires.” The beauty of Sinners is its rewatch value. You can unpack its symbolism and themes multiple times and uncover something new each time. Is it just a supernatural horror movie? Absolutely. But it’s so much more than that.

Ultimately Sinners is a fantastic film. It’s a stylish, soulful vampire movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s more than just horror; it’s a commentary on resilience, community, and the complexities of the human spirit. Definitely worth checking out.