Sinners (2025) Review: Brilliant Dance with the Devil

Sinners is a stroke of genius from Ryan Coogler that mixes together several genres to create a terrifying and powerful vampiric tale with multiple standout performances.

Passion oozes through this screenplay as Ryan Coogler uses vampire folklore to express how vastly important it is that we are there for those we love as the world around us gets and perhaps always has been dark. Coogler is not being governed by studio mandates here and lets loose with a layered original story that touches on racism, religion, community, and being free.

Using vampires and music as the mediums for discussing these subjects is honestly brilliant, because the two have loose connections to them all. For instance, music can often bring people together, but it has also brought about racism and drawn religious ire. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the blues/rock and roll genre, which often saw black artists have their songs and the genre as a whole co-opted by white people. Religious figures decry music and things they do not understand as a product of the devil or something supernatural, like vampires. Sinners shows viewers that music can be freeing and bring people together, but opposition to that still lurks in multiple forms.

Music is essential to this narrative, but there is so much more to Sinners. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack (played by Michael B. Jordan in a dual role) return to their hometown in the Jim Crow south from Chicago for a fresh start, which is easier said than done because of their dangerous reputations and racism. The brothers try to build something for their community in the form of a black owned and operated juke joint. They unknowingly open up a path for something evil once their cousin and son of a local preacher, Sammie (Miles Caton), plays his guitar. This leans into the religious aspect I discussed earlier, as what some might refer to as “the devil’s music” in the blues brings forth a group of vampires led by Remmick (Jack O’Connell) who wants to use Sammie and his musical talent to build a new world of immortal blood suckers. 

These vampires have slight differences but most of the usual weaknesses, like garlic and a stake to the heart. However, there is something about them that is relevant in both the past of this narrative and the present day we are living in. Remmick paints this portrait of himself as loving all people regardless of color, and having a desire for peace and harmony. In reality, he wants to create a world filled with a singular species under his control. Remmick poses as a friend, like so many secretly or outwardly racist individuals do even today and the minute your back is turned, they will make a negative remark or do something worse. While I cannot say for certain if Ryan Coogler intended for this to be something that you take away from the narrative, it was something I could not help but think about. 

I also could not help but think about how much this film stresses the importance of finding your own community and being there for each other in dark times as people threaten to rip away things that make us human, including basic rights. Coogler spends the first half of Sinners introducing us to this world and everyone in it. We spend time alongside Smoke, Stack, and Sammie, getting a real sense of who they are as well as the bond they share. This goes for our supporting characters too, who receive enough screen time for the audience to connect with them. This makes their fight for survival in the second half of Sinners hit even harder because you do not want to see these people die. They become your community, in a sense, even as a viewer. 

Things really pick up horror wise once we hit the second half, after Coogler crafts a soulful drama in hour number one. There is gore, action, and plenty of moments which will send chills up your spine. Coogler really goes for it with this one with action that not only looks great but is brutal. Remember how you could see the impact of a stake through the heart and kind of feel it from your seat? Ryan Coogler and his cast bring that classic vampire flair back. 

Not only does the narrative hit hard in multiple ways, but this cast is absolutely sensational and that starts with Michael B. Jordan. Having him play the two lead characters could have been a disaster, but with the help of Coogler’s script and his own talent, Jordan has no problem. He gives Smoke and Stack their own charms that will endear audiences to both of them. Stack may be quick to talk smack, but he gets things done and has a swagger that makes him enduring. Smoke on the other hand is clearly dealing with trauma, is much more serious, and would do anything to protect those he loves. These two are such compelling characters with arcs that wind up complementing each other perfectly. If you do not believe Michael B. Jordan is a superstar, Sinners will open your eyes. 

I could rightfully sing the praises of this entire cast, they deserve it, but that would take up a ton of time, so I chose to highlight three supporting standouts instead. Hailee Steinfeld has not been challenged like she is here in quite some time. Mary proves to be an incredibly complex and memorable character from the moment Steinfeld shares the screen with Jordan as Stack and the chemistry between the two sizzles on screen. She is the only one able to truly see who Stack is besides his brother. Speaking of, Mary also has her own trauma, like Smoke and a few other main players. 

Then there is Delroy Lindo as local drunkard and musician Delta Slim, who is hired to play at the juke joint alongside Sammie. He provides tons of comic relief but also has a quality arc with dramatic moments. Having someone like Lindo around works wonders for Sinners, as it gives this cast someone with tons of experience to play off of. That is especially important for Miles Caton, who makes his feature film debut as Sammie. He gives an astonishing performance and provides this film with its soul. His powerhouse vocals radiate throughout the theater before Caton leaves no doubt he is a talent to watch with some heart wrenching acting. 

While Ryan Coogler and this cast deserve credit for making Sinners what it is, they did not do it alone. Without the production and costume design by Hannah Beachler and Ruth E. Carter, and the cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, this film would not have felt as realistic as it needed to. The three of them gave this narrative its sense of realism with their sets, costumes, and breathtaking visuals. Having a great atmosphere is key for a supernatural horror moviefilm and these ladies did their part to ensure the vibes were on point and things never looked goofy.

This also applies to Ludwig Göransson, who puts together another fascinating score and soundtrack combination that really fits what Ryan Coogler is trying to achieve. Without these songs, the narrative and several points it makes would fall apart. They are addictive to listen to, booming with energy, and placed in the right moments. This is kind of a musical but not quite; you have to admire how Coogler and Göransson put it together. 

Sinners is a horror masterpiece from Ryan Coogler and you will want to watch it over and over again. Michael B. Jordan takes things up a notch as he delivers some of the best work of his career in the roles of Smoke and Stack. His castmates are also remarkable across the board with Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo standing out. Every aspect of this production is special, from the sets to the costumes to the score. See this beautiful, unforgettable experience on the biggest screen you can. 

Sinners (2025) will be released in US & Canadian theatres, in UK & Irish cinemas, and globally in theaters on April 18, 2025.