Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (now streaming on VOD platforms such as Amazon Prime Video) has captured audiences’ imaginations, earning it the title of **2025’s One Hell of a Movie**. Departing from the mainstream confines of franchise filmmaking—where Coogler has earned acclaim through his work on the Rocky-adjacent Creed series and the two Black Panther films—this visionary director dives into a genre-defying blend of **action**, **horror**, and **drama**. Set against the rich backdrop of the **1930s Deep South**, Coogler weaves a tapestry of **life, death, good, evil**, and how **music acts as a bridge** between these dichotomies. Oh, and it’s a **vampire movie** to boot! With Coogler at the helm as producer, writer, and director, alongside his frequent muse **Michael B. Jordan**, the film performs brilliantly, grossing an impressive **$350 million worldwide**. It’s hard not to admire the *ambition* behind this project.
Sinners: Should You Stream It or Skip It?
The Gist: Music has long been known to encapsulate both **joy** and **pain**, serving as a reflection of the human experience’s myriad extremes. We meet **Sammie** (played by **Miles Caton**) in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1932—a young man who wears the marks of a troubled existence: bloody and ragged, clutching a broken guitar neck, his face bearing the scars of someone who has seen **too much**. He is the son of a preacher (played by **Saul Williams**) who warned him about, you guessed it, the devil and hell. As the church congregation gathers, disturbed by Sammie’s state, we are transported back 24 hours to unearth the circumstances leading to this moment.
As the sun beats down relentlessly, farmhands can be seen laboring in cotton fields. Enter **Smoke** and **Stack** (both portrayed by Jordan), twin brothers returning from “The War to End All Wars.” Heavy with cash and veiled secrets, they strike a deal with a shady, tobacco-chewing white man who assures them that “the Klan don’t exist no more.” In return, they receive the keys to a rundown sawmill, intended to be transformed into a **juke joint** buzzing with music, dancing, food, and drink. And when they announce their grand opening for that very night, you can almost feel the excitement in the air.
Who will join this revelry? Sammie, with his remarkable slide guitar skills and a voice rich beyond his years, is the first recruit. Swayed by the allure of cash and booze, seasoned pianist **Delta Slim** (**Delroy Lindo**) comes on board, while **Bo** (**Yao**) and **Grace Chow** (**Li Jun Li**) prepare to serve drinks, and we see **Cornbread** (**Omar Miller**) standing sentinel at the door. But what’s a juke joint without romance? Sammie’s love interest, **Pearline** (played by **Jayme Lawson**), and Stack’s former flame, **Mary** (played by **Hailee Steinfeld**), each bring their own unresolved emotions to the night, adding layers to the brewing chaos.
But what’s a party without some danger? As **Smoke** and **Stack** gear up for a night to remember, a trio of suspicious white musicians arrives, eager to infuse their bluegrass with something more sinister. Their leader, **Remmick** (played by **Jack O’Connell**), carries dark secrets of his own that threaten to disrupt the festivities. Do they have an invitation to join in the night’s decadent chaos? Only time will tell.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?
Sinners captivates audiences with echoes of Jordan Peele’s work—landing somewhere between the haunting mind games of Us and the chaotic thrill of From Dusk Till Dawn.
Performance Worth Watching
Coogler brings out the best in Jordan once again, but the ensemble shines equally bright, with notable performances from **Steinfeld**, **Lindo**, and **Mosaku**. The real standout, however, is newcomer **Caton**—his raw talent and breathtaking singing voice deliver a depth that resonates throughout the film.
Memorable Dialogue
Stack’s pitch for the juke joint is simply irresistible: “Y’all ready to eat? Y’all ready to drink? Y’all ready to sweat til y’all stink?”
Sex and Skin
While there are a few **steamy scenes** that evoke heat and desire, the film maintains a level of subtlety, steering clear of overt graphic displays.
Our Take
Let’s get one thing straight: **Sinners** is a wild ride. Overflowing with **style, character, and world-building**, Coogler spins a narrative that touches on **spirituality** and **social politics**, among other themes. Sure, the pacing can feel uneven; however, it’s not without its merits. Coogler’s attempt to blend these eclectic themes creates a rich landscape ripe for exploration, signifying more than just a vampire flick. At its core, the film contemplates the power of **music** as a beacon during turbulent times—a theme that, regrettably, sometimes gets overshadowed.
After a deliberate build-up, buoyed by Sammie’s electrifying performance at the juke joint, Coogler’s direction shines. With exquisite cinematography, he interlaces diverse musical styles into a mesmerizing visual tapestry, capturing the essence of community and creativity. While the inevitable vampire showdown hints at a genre clash, Coogler’s *visionary genius* manages to make it work, crafting a film that pulses with **energy** and *intention*. Coogler reminds us that music is a **force of love, danger, and life**—and, undeniably, it’s for sinners, which is simply a reflection of us all.
Our Call
The verdict is in: **Sinners** may have its flaws, but its compelling narrative and **evocative themes** make it a must-watch. **STREAM IT**!
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
