After proving he’s one of the best there is at directing a boxing film and a superhero movie, Ryan Coogler tries his hand at horror with the vampire period piece Sinners. And guess what? It turns out he’s great at that genre too

If you enjoy films that take their time, build atmosphere, and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, Sinners is exactly your kind of cinema. Directed by Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in an ambitious dual role, it mixes historical drama, psychological tension, and supernatural mystery into something that feels both classic and refreshingly modern

It’s not a loud film. It’s not rushed. And that’s precisely where much of its power lies

Set in the American Deep South during the 1930s, Sinners follows twin brothers Elijah and Elias Moore, both played by Jordan. The brothers return to their childhood hometown after the death of their father. Straightforward enough. But from the moment they arrive, it’s clear something is off. The town feels frozen in time. Conversations stop when they walk into rooms. Old wounds reopen quickly. And then there are the whispers – stories about disappearances, strange rituals, and something lurking in the surrounding swamps

Michael B. Jordan delivers what may well be the best performance of his career. Playing twins is never easy, but he handles it with impressive subtlety. Elijah is quiet, reflective, and weighed down by the past. Elias is tougher, sharper, quicker to anger. They look identical, of course, but emotionally they feel like completely different men. Their strained relationship forms the emotional centre of the film, and Jordan makes you believe every moment of it

Coogler, known for Creed and Black Panther, takes a noticeably different approach with Sinners. This is a slower, more reflective film. He leans heavily into mood and setting. The Southern landscape is almost hypnotic — wide-open fields, decaying plantation homes, thick, wetlands shrouded in mist. The scenery is gorgeous, yet constantly unsettling. You feel as if the land itself is holding onto secrets

Much of the tension comes from what you don’t see. Coogler avoids cheap jump scares. Instead, he builds unease gradually. Shadows stretch longer than they should. Sounds carry strangely across water. Conversations hint at things nobody wants to say out loud. It’s old-fashioned suspense, and it works remarkably well

The film also benefits greatly from its music. Composer Ludwig Göransson blends blues, gospel, and orchestral elements into a score that feels both historically authentic and deeply haunting. In several scenes, music transitions almost seamlessly into chanting or spiritual singing, creating moments that feel eerie without being overwhelming. It adds emotional weight rather than distraction

One of the film’s strengths is its balance of supernatural elements with very human storytelling. Yes, there are ghosts. Yes, there are rituals and influences from folklore. But at its heart, Sinners is really about memory, guilt, and family legacy. The town is hiding its past. The brothers are hiding from theirs. Watching those layers slowly unravel is where the film becomes really engaging

The supporting cast deserves recognition as well. Hailee Steinfeld plays Clara Whitmore, a local teacher who knows more about the Moore family than she initially reveals. She brings warmth and quiet determination to the role. Meanwhile, veteran actor Delroy Lindo delivers a commanding performance as Reverend Carter. His character is charismatic, unsettling, and impossible to ignore whenever he appears onscreen. Together, the cast helps make the town feel alive – not welcoming, but undeniably real

That said, Sinners will not be for everyone. The pacing is deliberately measured. Some viewers may find the middle section drifts slightly, especially as the film explores backstory and town history through flashbacks and dream-like sequences. The narrative occasionally demands patience. It doesn’t hand viewers easy answers, and some story threads remain intentionally ambiguous

For audiences expecting a straightforward horror film, this may be frustrating. For those who appreciate films that leave room for interpretation, however, this ambiguity adds depth

There is also a thoughtful exploration of historical themes running beneath the surface. The film quietly examines how communities deal with collective guilt and how families carry emotional burdens across generations. It never becomes preachy or heavy-handed, but the ideas linger. Particularly for older viewers, these themes of reflection, reconciliation, and facing the past may resonate strongly

The film’s visual style deserves special mention. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw uses natural lighting and shadow with remarkable skill. Candlelit interiors and moonlit exteriors create a classic Gothic atmosphere. The camera often lingers just a moment longer than expected, allowing tension to build naturally. It is elegant filmmaking that rewards close attention

The final act of Sinners is where everything comes together. Coogler delivers an emotionally charged and visually striking climax. Rather than offering a neat, tidy resolution, the film closes on a haunting and reflective note. It feels appropriate. Some stories, after all, are not meant to end cleanly

At just under 2.5 hours, the film is undeniably long. Yet it rarely feels wasteful. The extended runtime allows characters to develop fully and gives the story room to breathe. For viewers who enjoy immersive storytelling, this is likely to feel like a strength rather than a weakness

What makes Sinners stand out most is its confidence. It is comfortable moving slowly. Comfortable blending genres. Comfortable trusting its audience to think rather than simply react. In an era dominated by fast-paced blockbusters, it feels refreshing. It’s not perfect. It asks for patience. It occasionally feels heavy with symbolism. But it’s ambitious, beautifully crafted, and emotionally engaging.

Most importantly, it stays with you. Long after the final scene fades.

Overall, Sinners is a mature, intelligent thriller anchored by a standout performance from Michael B. Jordan and careful, confident direction from Ryan Coogler. It’s less about frightening audiences and more about unsettling them – prompting reflection rather than shock.

And sometimes, those are the films that leave the strongest impression

Perhaps that’s why it’s broken all records for Oscar nominations with sixteen!