Sinners: A Coogler Masterpiece

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (2025) has captivated audiences with its gripping exploration of the human psyche and chilling narrative rooted in the spiritual and racial tensions of the 1930s. The film pushes the boundaries of the thriller genre, crafting a story that is just as much a traditional horror flick as it is a deeper moral inquiry. From its stunning cinematography to its stellar performances, Sinners offers a dark and immersive experience that leaves viewers grappling with questions about morality and the long-lasting effects of generational prejudice and trauma.

The film follows Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) and his twin, Stack (also played by Jordan), as they return to their hometown to open a bar in Mississippi in 1932. With the help of their younger cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), the trio gathers an ensemble of characters in preparation for opening night. Each member of the group carries their emotional and historical baggage, as the film reflects on a community still healing from the wounds of Reconstruction and burdened by the enduring shadow of Jim Crow. The group quickly finds that their venture has taken a dark turn when they encounter a coven of vampires intent on converting their patrons. Coogler’s film becomes both a meditation on 1930s African American culture and resilience and a bold entry into the vampire genre. 

Michael B. Jordan delivers an exceptional performance in his dual role as the troubled twins, Smoke and Stack. His ability to bring two separate characters to life at the same time highlights the true depth of his skill. Jordan’s emotional performance adds a sense of authenticity and emotional weight to the film, as he masterfully interacts with himself in a way that feels natural and emotionally grounded. Hailee Steinfeld also shines in her role as Mary, Stack’s ex-girlfriend. Mary, a white-passing woman who struggles to find her community, further adds to the film’s commentary on the intricate relationship between race and identity. Her internal conflict is nuanced, revealing the complexities of navigating social spaces where belonging is conditional. Together, both Steinfeld and Jordan are electric, as the duo creates a commanding presence every time they share the screen. 

However, the film is far from perfect, falling short in many key areas. Most notably, the plot feels underdeveloped, struggling to meaningfully connect its supernatural elements with the historical context it tries to explore. The first half of the film sets up an intriguing premise, spotlighting the racial prejudice and generational trauma faced by African Americans in the 1930s. Coogler does a brilliant job exploring these themes through his characters, setting up promise for Act Two. Unfortunately, when the film leans into horror, the supernatural elements end up feeling tacked on and poorly integrated. Aside from a few disconnected scenes in the first act, this vampire subplot has little narrative buildup or thematic connection to the rest of the film. Rather than offering a nuanced commentary on the intersection of history, race, and the supernatural, the film defaults to generic horror tropes that dilute its impact. Moments of genuine tension are often undermined by predictable scares, leaving the film feeling more formulaic and preventing its deeper themes from fully resonating. 

Although Sinners stumbles in its attempt to weave together more complex themes with horror elements, Coogler’s ambition is still evident as glimpses of the film’s true potential shine through. However, the ultimate lack of cohesion between social commentary and genre tropes leaves Sinners feeling like a missed opportunity.