After a long setup, ‘Sinners’ worth the reward
(May 18, 2025) — The list of movies in the period-piece-vampire-musical genre is very small. In fact, Ryan Coogler may have invented it with his new film “Sinners.”
Coogler sets his tale in 1930s Mississippi. Twin brothers Stack and Smoke (both played skillfully by Michael B. Jordan) return home after a spell working for, and stealing from, Al Capone. The twins are eager to set up a juke joint and have plenty of cash to buy a barn from a good old boy.
As the twins go about their business, we meet several other memorable characters. There is the old bluesman Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), successful Asian shop owners Grace (Li Jun Li) and Bo Chow (Yao), Stack’s ex-girlfriend Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) and son-of-a preacher-man Sammie (newcomer Miles Caton).
Sammie is excited to continue his music career, much to the delight of Stack – a who wants to give the kid a regular spot at the juke joint and get him a record deal.
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Meanwhile, Smoke seeks out his former flame Annie (soulfully embodied by Wunmi Mosaku). It is clear they have a sorrowful history; their reunion is heartfelt.
Once the twins have secured everything they need, the film is well over halfway through. During the first two acts, there were just a handful of signs that something supernatural may be lurking. When the enigmatic Remmick (Jack O’Connell) shows up near the end of act two, it leaves no doubt that there be vampires afoot.
Vampire musician
O’Connell is sublime as a centuries-old vampire trying to build up a new crew. In addition to being a vampire, Remmick is an accomplished musician. One of the pieces of exposed vampire lore in the film is that vampires take on aspects of the vampire that bit them. Thus, anyone Remmick bites becomes musically inclined. There is some truly beautiful on-screen music.
When the vampire action commences, it goes by so fast, there is not much time to savor everything. Because it took so long to set up everything in the film, the payoff feels rushed. It would have been nice to get 10 or 15 more minutes before the clear homage to “From Dusk Till Dawn” climax.
Coogler also takes a few shortcuts with Annie, a voodoo practitioner, conveniently knowing just a little too much about vampires.
These are minor gripes. “Sinners” is a fantastic film. The audience is treated to exquisite cinematography, excellent music, smart editing and Oscar-worthy acting.
It is also the rare film to be wildly successful while also not being a sequel nor originating from intellectual property. The IMAX sequences are absolutely stunning as well.
Marvel has made end-credits scenes a reason to stay in the theater. However, Coogler may have given us the best one of all time. The scene will stick with you long after the film is over. A-
Spring TV roundup
“A Shop for Killers.” (Hulu/Disney+) This one came out last year but is well worth seeking out. One of the most creatively edited shows I have ever watched. A young girl has just lost her uncle and suddenly, all kinds of mercenaries assault her family home. All eight episodes tell the story of this roughly 24-hour period, mixed in with a healthy helping of flashbacks to explain character backstories. Incredible action sequences abound. (Hulu has terrible subtitles; Disney+ may be better.)
“Dark Winds.” (AMC). One of the best shows on TV the last few years. AMC has beautifully brought the long-running book series to life, and the third season may be its best. Lt. Leaphorn must come to grips with his actions from last season as he is haunted by a spirit that will not let him go. Is it tied to his current missing teenager case? That and many other mysteries are expertly woven together.
Also highly recommended: “White Lotus” (HBO), “Invincible” (Amazon) and “The Last of Us” (HBO).
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Jeff Mellinger
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord.