Sinners Review: Michael B. Jordan Vampire Movie Delivers Great Action

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Ryan Coogler, a remarkable filmmaker, demonstrates his exceptional skill yet again with the movie titled “Sinners“. This unique blend of vampire horror and action is his debut original production, and I eagerly anticipate more chances for him to excel. While all of his previous works are outstanding, Fruitvale Station is based on real events, Creed is a reboot of the Rocky franchise, and his Black Panther films were part of the established Marvel Universe. In this film, we find original characters, an original plot, and, as with all his other projects, Michael B. Jordan. Just like De Niro to Scorsese, they’ve crafted a thrilling, intense experience that’s not to be missed.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled by the notion that Ryan Coogler has such an affinity for Michael B. Jordan that he felt compelled to collaborate with him twice in this project. The movie unfolds around twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, both brilliantly portrayed by Jordan in what is arguably his finest performance yet. They revisit their hometown after a long absence. With “Sinners,” Coogler ventures into the horror genre for the first time, and he triumphantly emerges with a chic, gory Southern Gothic that not only signifies a new phase in his career, but practically compels it. This vampire story is immersed in the American South and steeped in moonlit apprehension, making it part genre exploration and part audiovisual hallucination. While it stumbles a bit in its lethargic opening, once darkness descends and the true terror surfaces, Coogler delivers a second half that’s as spine-chilling as it is electrifying.

In the opening scene, Coogler sets a calm, realistic atmosphere reminiscent of his initial hit, Fruitvale Station. He focuses on the brothers’ connections with friends, past loves, and associates to build the gritty, well-used environment they inhabit. However, despite the effort to make the film feel genuine, it fails to resonate fully. The risks and tension seem scattered, and the anxiety is too low-key. The sense of personal realism from Fruitvale Station feels oddly misplaced here, causing the narrative to move slowly towards a looming sense of dread. By the finale, the significance of this initial act becomes clearer, but the execution could have been improved.

Then night falls.

As soon as Act 2 commences, “Sinners” undergoes a remarkable transformation. It’s like director Ryan Coogler has been subtly building tension, and when the moment is right, he pops open the lid with a bang. The movie finds its rhythm, captivating me with an astonishing dance sequence that left me breathless. The cinematography is remarkable, guiding us through this environment while highlighting the progression of dance across eras and civilizations. This, coupled with the exceptional music, might just be the most brilliantly directed scene of the year. It’s truly awe-inspiring. There are numerous instances in this film that make it worth watching in IMAX, and this is certainly one of them.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s cinematography reaches new heights in this film. Her camera captures every action with a dreamlike accuracy, skillfully employing shadows and silhouettes to create lasting images. She masterfully handles the visual aspects, from the visually striking dance and action sequences to the intricate details. However, the initial part of the movie seems somewhat slow due to its prolonged build-up before it transitions into a vampire narrative. But once it does, it delivers without compromise. The vampires’ eyes emit a radiant glow, and there are clever touches where when vampires conceal their true nature, their faces are illuminated in such a way that their eyes are shrouded in darkness. Subtle yet impactful ideas like these really enhance the viewing experience.

Initially, the film may stumble but soon finds its stride, making initial flaws easily overlooked. It masterfully blends terror with emotion, grandeur with intimacy, employing genre as a means to delve into complex themes like guilt, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of violence. Here, vampirism serves as a symbol for intergenerational trauma and dependency, yet Coogler skillfully avoids overemphasizing this theme. Instead, he relies on powerful visuals and performances to convey the underlying messages, trusting viewers to perceive the subtext rather than explicitly stating it.

This film offers a unique spin on the traditional vampire theme, blending elements that resemble a zombie movie while still adhering to classic vampire lore. Despite recent releases like Nosferatu, Abigail, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter, the movie distinguishes itself by presenting vampires as twisted versions of human minds rather than mindless monsters. Their actions are both cunning and wicked. The film also incorporates traditional vampire tropes such as garlic, wooden stakes, and the requirement for an invitation to enter a home. These elements give Sinners a fresh and captivating feel. Director Ryan Coogler’s knack for social commentary and talent for creating engaging cinematic experiences make Sinners shine above typical horror movies. With outstanding performances from Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, this film is poised to be one of the best horror movies of the year.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 is equivalent to “Excellent.” Although there are some small flaws, this high score indicates that the artwork achieves its purpose effectively and makes a lasting impression.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Sinners review.

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2025-04-10 19:10