Movie Review: SINNERS

And…the leader in the clubhouse for BEST FILM OF 2025 (so far) is…SINNERS.

And…it’s a Vampire Movie!

That 2nd line is not a spoiler as it is in all of it’s advertisings, but if you were to go to this Ryan Coogler (BLACK PANTHER) flick, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t realize that was the case for the first 2/3 of this film, as is usually the case with films written and directed by him (as SINNERS is), the films focuses on the characters and the black experience in situations that are depicted - in this case 1930’s “Jim Crow”, Mississippi.

The story follows a pair of Twin Brothers, nicknamed Smoke and Stack (both played by Coogler muse Michael B. Jordan, who has participated in all Coogler projects) who return to their small Mississippi town after spending some time as gangsters in Chicago to live out their dream of opening a “Juke Joint” just outside the small Mississippi town they grew up in.

The first part of the movie is darn-near Academy Award worthy as Coogler focuses his cameras/script on the characters - all of which are marginalized in this society (in other words they are non-white in the share cropper state of Mississippi). Smoke and Stack drive their dream of opening a Juke Joint recruiting friends and allies to assist along with a musical prodigy (young musician Miles Caton in his feature film debut) who’s music (the legends tell) can bring the spirits (both good and bad) of the past and the future together in one place.

And…that is what exactly happens in a wonderful dreamlike sequence that brings together the blues of the 1930’s, African drummers of the past, medieval chants, futuristic rap and rock-n-roll in a dream-like sequence that is worth the price of admission.

Along with Coogler’s strong direction and writing, kudo’s needs to be given to the Composer of this film, 2x Oscar Winner Ludwig Goransson (OPPENHEIMER) who blends these disparate musical genres together in a haunting and thrilling way that draws us all in.

It also draws in “bad spirits” (and this is where the Vampire part of the story starts)…and it’s a bloody good time.

Besides Jordan’s usual terrific performance (can one call him under-rated)? There are also strong acting turns by Caton, Wunmi Mosaku (Disney+ TV Series LOKI), Hailee Steinfeld (Kate Bishop in the MCU), “that guy” actor Omar Miller (the TV Series BALLERS) and just about every other performer in this show. They all shine because they are given something to do with very good writing and direction behind it.

Oh…and special notice needs to be given to Veteran Actor Delroy Lindo (THE CIDER HOUSE RULES) who gives the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” role in this film plenty of heart.

A surprisingly deep, rich and emotional film wrapped up inside a Vampire film - a unique hybrid that might not find an audience. Those that love the emotional resonance might complain that Coogler ruins it with “the vampire nonsense” and the Vampire fans might be upset that Coogler doesn’t get to the Vampire stuff soon enough.

But, the BankofMarquis found it an interesting - and rich - mashup of 2 genres that put in the hands of a top-notch writer/director like Coogler, works very well, indeed.

Letter Grade: A-

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to theBank(ofMarquis)