Sinners Movie Review: Music, Hoodoo, and Vampires
Sinners is an original horror film that explores the past, present, and future of Black culture through incredible music sequences on the backdrop of the deep South while threatening its very existence with blood-thirsty vampires. The incredible story is filled to the brim with symbolism, metaphors, and social commentary, making Sinners one of the most refreshing films to hit theaters in recent memory.
Directed by Ryan Coogler with a predominately Black cast, the original film is a breath of fresh air during a time when superhero movies, remakes of remakes, and sequels oversaturate a struggling industry (more than 45 major sequels are slated to be released this year alone—YIKES!).
The story is set in 1932, following twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both Michael B. Jordan) as they return to their hometown in Clarksdale, Mississippi where they purchase a sawmill to open a juke joint with stolen gangster money.
In order to fully dive into the powerful meaning of the film, there are spoilers in the following review.
Sammie (Miles Canton) is a talented musician and son of the town preacher. Sammie carries a guitar with him wherever he goes, representing the importance of music in Black culture. The most prominent scene in the film occurs when Club Juke finally opens to the Black community. As they look to dance the night away, magical realism enters the film in the form of visually striking performances of the evolution of music in Black culture.
It’s no coincidence that the vampires, symbolizing white colonizers, show up immediately after, begging the partygoers to give them Sammie and his music. This is deeply symbolic for the appropriation of Black culture by white people. Remmick (Jack O’Connell), the leader of the vampires, explains that he was a victim of colonialism in Ireland and had religion forced upon him. His perpetrating of the same type of colonialism over Club Juke shows the never-ending system of Imperialism. He argues, however, that he can give everyone an eternal life of equality as vampires, thus trying to eliminate Black identity. Remmick offers to let everyone at the club live if he can have Sammie and his music in order to connect with his own ancestors. Upon refusal, all hell breaks loose.
The vampires begin biting and converting the Black folks, but it’s important to recognize who is converted first. Mary (Hailee Steinfield) is a white-passing, mixed-race character. She is the first to be turned into a vampire, representing how she can move quickly between racial identities and how much easier it is for her to be lured by the colonizers.
Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) is a hoodoo practitioner and herbalist and one of the most compelling characters in the film. Her expert knowledge and intelligence gives the Black community a fighting chance against the vampires. She represents spirituality and faith in Black mythology rather than Christianity.
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After a long night of battling vampires, Sammie, with his guitar in hand, comes face to face with Remmick in a powerful climax. In the center of a lake representing cleansing, Sammie makes the ultimate decision for his community. The story ends in a controversial way, but be sure to stay for a closing scene midway through the credits.
Sinners is a masterpiece of a film that presents a compelling story, spectacular visuals, and enough social commentary and symbolism to leave you analyzing it for days. It’s a refreshing movie that doesn’t rely on unnecessary explosions or mindless action sequences. Instead, it’s an artwork that gives meaning to every action and focuses on telling a story to an intelligent audience that’s looking for something deeper.
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