Verdict: 4.5/5
‘Sinners’, the latest flick from ‘Black Panther’ director Ryan Coogler, saw massive success in the United States and since then my social media has been flooded with ‘Sinners’-related content and reviews.
Buzzing with anticipation, I booked my ticket and waited for the lights to dim. And when they did – ‘Sinners’ didn’t just meet the hype. It shattered it.
The story centres on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (played by Michael B. Jordan) as they return to their hometown of Mississippi to forget their troubled Chicago past.
With a grand idea to set up their very own Juke Joint, they recruit a band of loyal old friends to help, including their cousin Sammie, who has a gift for the Blues.
This movie succeeds in creating an ensemble cast of well developed, three-dimensional characters, so much so that you’re too invested in their stories to remember you’re watching a horror movie.
The first act builds the audience’s connection with the brothers, revealing that their tough exteriors give way to charm and heartache when faced with the realities of home.
Things take a turn however at opening night. While the fun and festivities rage on, danger lurks in the form of an Irish vampire, summoned by the sweet melodies of Sammie’s voice. What follows is a nail-biting thrill ride that will have you to glued to the screen with intrigue and suspense.
This film is a perfect mix of horror and mystery, with a good dash of period-piece style action. The script leaves nothing to be desired, expertly capturing not only the style and slang of 1930s Mississippi, but allowing the audience to form deep bonds with emotionally vulnerable characters, which is something I’ve not seen lately in the world of horror.
The visuals are breathtaking, with one scene in particular exploding into a beautifully chaotic swirl of colour and culture – utterly mesmerising. And of course, this review wouldn’t be complete without mention of the soundtrack. The film’s focus on Blues and folksongs is a fundamental element of its success, and I would be surprised if it didn’t receive a tonne of award noms.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
