Ryan Coogler has found success in each one of his projects. The Oakland director has taken Hollywood by storm with a relatively small yet massively successful filmography. From beloved festival standout, Fruitvale Station, to some of the only Marvel superhero movies nominated for multiple major awards, including the Black Panther films. Coogler has set himself apart as a revitalizer in major blockbuster filmmaking. Taking seemingly forgotten or stalled franchises and reinvigorating them for new audiences.

Now, the director takes the original route with Sinners, a vampire period piece set in the 1930s Deep South where supernatural folklore and music offer a momentary escape for the Black community during a time when Jim Crow laws sowed a culture of inequality and injustice. Ryan Coogler fills a standard vampire action movie cover with layers of intricate and clever commentary on many historic yet especially relevant topics. Sinners reaches far beyond its genre to establish an unforgettable ride filled with killer music, memorable scares, and a jaw-dropping thrill ride that will stand the test of time.

Sinners follows Sammie Moore (Miles Caton), the son of a Pastor (Saul Williams) living on a plantation in 1930s Mississippi, whose aspiration for a music career terrifies his God-fearing father, who views his son’s talents as an open door invitation to a world of sin. When Sammie’s notorious twin cousins, Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan), return to town after a crime-filled stint in Chicago, he uses their business mind to market himself as a Blues singer for their new juke joint. Smoke and Stack want to create a haven for the Black community in this area, a spot where diligent Black workers can let loose and be free from their cruel reality. Smoke and Stack also want to be proper businessmen and profit off this communal fun, as they learned how money runs everything during their time in Chicago. 

However, the SmokeStack twins sometimes have a strenuous relationship with the community. They were known to never be afraid to use aggressive tactics to take what was theirs. This assertive mindset always kept them ready for action in case any trouble arose. When some uninvited guests arrive at their newly opened juke joint, the SmokeStack twins become wary about their goal. This sparks a night filled with terror that Sammie and the twins have to confront head-on.

Sinners goes far beyond anything that is on the surface. The film opens doors to new commentary avenues with each character, scene, and act. The density of the film is remarkable, with a profound exploration of culture, generational impact, and the supernatural power of music. Ryan Coogler is a master of bringing the audience in with an exciting, enticing, and entertaining premise, only to further blow their minds with an extensive look at what derives from the heartache of the generations before us. The metaphysical power of music speaks through time, yet it’s not always bringing joy. Sometimes that music comes from intense pain, yet it can still create something extraordinarily beautiful. Coogler crafts a love letter to Blues music, its historical influence, and music as a whole. He expertly portrays how many generations of Black people from all timelines have had a hand in creating the sound of not only American music but also music that has been adopted worldwide by all cultures. 

The communal spiritual experience of music is illustrated in stunning sequences that communicate more than words can describe. This has always been the foundation of what music can mean for a culture or a group of people. When words are not enough, music transcends. Music speaks to the heart and lives of the generations before us, their hardships, victories, journeys, and conflicts. Music’s impact on culture is brilliantly communicated throughout the film.

The film balances these thematic elements inside a genuinely thrilling and fun ride. The humor of Sinners is plentiful. With so many memorable one-liners and moments that will have audiences roaring with the level of creativity Coogler brought with his screenplay. The film has so much intention and direction behind it, yet it is never afraid to break the tension or defy what is expected, with clever comedic timing. The film moves quickly from scene to scene with an energy that never dwindles and constantly engages audiences with moments that can’t be missed. Every line, every character, offers the story something unique and purposeful to the deeper themes and plot of the story. Even the villain, Remmick, who, at first, appears to be a classic vampire antagonist that audiences may have seen before, is later revealed to have a lot more complexity behind his character and motivations. Jack O’Connell gives one of the biggest standout performances in the movie with a villain that is both terrifying and fun, and is sure to make his way into the vampire villain hall of fame. 

However, the biggest scene stealer is Miles Caton as Sammie, who brings multiple levels of inspiration that are revealed throughout the film. His passion and love for music is palpable, and his talent shines as the desired treasure that our villain rabidly covets. Beyond his abilities, however, is the heart behind it. Sammie is filled with pure enthusiasm about the potential of his life; what he can discover and who he can reach out to in the world away from his Mississippi life. This enthusiasm is tangible for audiences and the driving heart of the entire film.

Sinners takes off with its emphasis, not only on powerful and relevant themes, but also on the cinematic nature of the movie. The cinematography is so intricately crafted and purposeful that it is staggering. Director of photography, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, delivers so much soul behind her shots that every significant moment, scene, or thematic exploration becomes even more powerful. In addition to the look of the film, the score adds to the strong foundational structure of Sinners. Composer Ludwig Göransson never misses, and Sinners is no different. He annihilates this score, reaching an enormous range of musical arrangements and styles. It goes from classic blues during the film’s first half to grunge rock during the latter half. Coogler and Ludwig are not afraid to throw audiences for a loop with Sinners’ music range, making the movie all the more unique and impactful.

Sinners is a modern classic. A vampire action film that simultaneously feels like an old school throwback and a movie that is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s a vampire spectacle with layers of commentary on the real evils of our current world and the timeless impact of culture and music. The film introduces so many conversations on various themes that offer so much more complexity than can be expected from a genre film. Ryan Coogler delivers a love letter to Black people’s influence on music, culture, and spirituality while paying homage to other classic vampire films. The film is equally profound and entertaining. Sinners is sure to be a timeless classic.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners releases in theaters on April 18!