⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s careers have run parallel with one another since they collaborated on Fruitvale Station. The director and actor have been part of some of the biggest franchises and groundbreaking cinematic releases, such as Black Panther and Creed. Their latest venture is darker and genre-bending in this story set in Mississippi in the 1930s as the social dynamics of the Deep South become affected by the supernatural effects of music and vampires.
Smoke and Stack Moore (Jordan) are twin brothers who have come home to the world of cotton fields and grain alcohol with plans to open their own juke joint. The siblings must overcome their reputations and recruit the right business partners to make this venture work. For the joint to work, they need the best musicians in the community. Unexpectedly, they find it in their cousin, Sammie “Preacher Boy” Moore (Miles Caton) whose guitar has powers to bring people and spirits under his spell. Everything comes together for a successful night until Sammie’s playing draws out unwanted forces with evil plans for the dance hall’s guests. Trailer contains mature content
It would be expected that Coogler’s production would bring the issues of racism to the forefront of the story as with most of his other films. Yet, the mystical inclusion of occult influences puts a spin on the overall messaging. Jack O'Connell (Unbroken) delivers on the disturbingly viscous nature of a vampire leader by taking this tale down a horrific combination of gore and community. He manages to embody the villainy needed to distract from the illegal actions of the Moore twins. As a polite, jig-dancing representation of the racism manifesting itself as blood thirsty killers. The narrative gets a bit confusing, but the nightmarish action keeps everyone off balance enough to forgive the glaring plot holes.
Interestingly, the heart of the story finds itself in the blues. Its history is traced back to past influences that show its hypnotic effect on people and spirits. This element leads to some of the most bizarre aspects of the film and some of the most entertaining. Every human vice gets unpacked in this screenplay and exposes the darkness of the human soul. Yet, the blues pours salve on the ghastly vision that is brought forth and provides solace for all who do not realise they entered a vampire film set in the 1930s African-American community.
Sinners lives up to its name by showing that no one is innocent. Still, everyone should be given an opportunity for redemption. Michael B. Jordan is convincing in his dual role, and Hailee Steinfeld does her best to shed her good-girl image. A film for horror fans who like a terrific blues soundtrack to complement the grisly world impacted by vampires and racism.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Christianity, racism and discrimination
Ryan Coogler’s film addresses topics that have been a part of America’s and the world’s social conscience since the beginning of mankind. Racial hatred and discrimination relate to something more profound than mere social injustices. These two issues are a deeply embedded insult to God and an offence to the entirety of humanity.
For students of the Bible, it is not difficult to see that racism runs counter to the message that can be read throughout its pages. The hatred depicted in this film and the actions taken by many worldwide are not a representation of Christianity or Jesus’ message. He died on the cross to redeem men and women of every race, colour, and ethnic background. The world's Saviour lives today to show the eternal value of all people, regardless of nationality, race, development, appearance, or ability. His followers must embrace this aspect of the Bible’s message and live accordingly while sharing this truth with the world without prejudice.
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. John 7:24
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
If you would like to discuss topics from this film and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.
