What to Watch This Weekend – Sinners

Sinners is a horror tale about the power of music. In 1930’s Mississippi, two black brothers have a dream. The Smoke Stack twins (Michael B. Jordan) have seen enough war, racism, and crime to last a lifetime. They return home to Clarksdale with the singular vision of starting a juke joint for their local community. They begin by assembling their essential ingredient—the best musicians the town has to offer. Among their selections are legendary piano player Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) and the twins’ cousin Preacher Boy (Miles Caton). Preacher Boy (aptly nicknamed for his fathers’ profession) has big dreams of becoming a blues singer in Chicago and escaping the family business. Everything comes together for a grand opening night, but soon those collected realize that their musical stylings have attracted a terrifying supernatural entity.

What works in Sinners are the performances, the music, and a taut tapestry woven with drama and fear. Writer and director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed) has created an original modern horror work of art. It’s almost difficult to describe why Sinners is so powerful, as it is truly an experience. Jordan is phenomenal in his dual roles. Not long into the runtime, people will forget that he is playing both Smoke and Stack as he creates two distinct brothers that have genuine chemistry with each other (himself?). Next, the score by Ludwig Göransson is outstanding, drawing on influences from multiple genres. The songs are the secret weapon of Sinners, serving as a supporting character that propels and electrifies the narrative. Finally, the terror is at just the right level. The stakes feel real and the violence is brutal, but also measured and never excessive. The entire mix of ingredients is incredibly well balanced.

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People whose stomachs turn at blood and gore may want to sit Sinners out. What starts out as a musical drama quickly devolves into a far more unsettling movie respite with explicit violence. While it has limits, Sinners is not for the faint of heart. Furthermore, Sinners has some very sexually graphic elements. Mostly these moments are conversational, but they are a far ways away from appropriate dinner table discussion. Said more plainly, Sinners is a film that one may not want to watch on family movie night with kids, parents, or grandparents. Finally, given the nature of the setting, Sinners explores some overtly racist themes which could unsettle some.

Sinners is a masterpiece. The performances are extraordinary across the entire ensemble, the script is impeccable, the thrills are heart pounding, and the music is awe-inspiring. Highest recommendation possible.

Recommended if you enjoyed: Let the Right One In, From Dusk to Dawn,

Sinners is now available for rent or purchase on most digital platforms.

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