PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sinners was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, not just horror films. I already had high expectations but wasn’t ready for the universal critical acclaim. Sinners currently sits at 98% from Critics and 97% from fans on Rotten Tomatoes.
The question is did Sinners live up to the hype?
Synopsis
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back
Sinners was written and directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed). The film stars Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther), Hailee Steinfeld (Into The Spider-Verse), Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell (Eden Lake), Wunmi Mosaku (Deadpool and Wolverine), Jayme Lawson (The Batman), Omar Miller (Homefront), Li Jun Li (Babylon) and Delroy Lindo (Get Shorty).
I was expecting Sinners to be good but it definitely lived up to my high expectations. One thing that really caught me off guard was how funny the film is. The dialogue during the first half of the movie is extremely funny and feels natural, like joking with an old friend. Another thing that caught me off guard is how likable the majority of the characters are. I really enjoyed spending time with these characters and when the inevitable bad things happened they leave an impact.
Michael B. Jordan is fantastic in the dual role of Smoke and Stack. Hailee Steinfeld is electric as Mary. Miles Canton delivers a star making performance as Sammie. Delroy Lindo is excellent as Delta Slim, a constantly drunk piano player. Jack O’Connell makes an impression as Remmick, an Irish vampire who is incredibly charming and convincing, showing the appeal of being a vampire.
I really loved how we spent so much time with these characters before things went to hell. It really made you root for them and feel the loss when it happens. The first half of Sinners follows the characters as they pursue their dream of opening a juke joint and everything leading up to opening night. Things take a turn and the film turns bleak as all hell. The deaths and violence was genuinely shocking in the absolute best way. The ending was pitch perfect, leaving me smiling. The film explores themes such as the American Dream, finding your place, fighting back against institutions that would try to keep you down and the notion of found family. The film played with some unique ideas about vampires. It was like nothing I’ve seen before.
Final Thoughts
Sinners was everything I wanted and more. It was dark, brutal, beautiful and warm. The film is a haunting masterpiece that I know I will make it’s way into my collection as soon as it’s available. Highly recommended.
