SINNERS
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo
Director: Ryan Coogler
AMARÚ
I’ve never felt chills during a movie, but thanks to director Ryan Coogler, it happened twice in one sitting. For some, Sinners may be a slow build to what they came to see, but to me, it's extraordinary filmmaking and acting. This is amongst Michael B. Jordan’s greatest roles, exuding charm and gravity while being surrounded by an absolutely substantial ensemble, including its most essential character, music. Every bit of soul, freedom, drama, humor, and intensity is felt through song perfectly matching Coogler’s stunning visuals, making for one of this decade's most entertaining films. 4.5 reels for the film, and that extra 0.5 for the chills.
QUENTIN
I really wanted to like Sinners, but unfortunately, the marketing department did it dirty by revealing way too much in the trailers, which only adds to the pacing issues, lack of scares, undercooked plotlines, and a Michael B. Jordan who doesn’t have the range to pull off dual roles (or a southern accent). On top of that, for a movie being hailed for its originality, it’s not far from From Dusk Till Dawn meets O Brother, Where Art Thou? with some added racial commentary. That said, it’s not a total misfire; it’s handsomely made and surprisingly funny. But it’s probably my least favorite Ryan Coogler movie.
PAIGE
Sinners is Ryan Coogler’s most daring and audacious film to date, as he expertly weaves the horrors of history and passion together through Jim Crow-era vampires. This film is just bursting with cinematic brilliance. The entire cast is outstanding, but Michael B. Jordan stands out for his effortlessly cool dual performance, which not only anchors the story, but adds complexity and flair. Newcomer Miles Caton makes a noteworthy debut with his powerful voice, too, while the bluesy score by Ludwig Göransson elevates the movie to a new level, creating an arthouse blockbuster. All things considered, Sinners is 2025’s spiritual awakening.
ADRIANO
Ryan Coogler proves once again that he's one of our best genre auteurs. After his previous IP successes, it's amazing seeing him take on more original territory with Sinners, and it’s a hell of an adrenaline rush. While the first 40 minutes take their time to establish the characters and setting, the rest of the film's swagger, suspense, gore, and visual wonder make for a masterwork that has interesting themes underneath all the flourish: temptation may be fun, but it ain't living. The last thing I expected was for this vampire flick to be oddly life-affirming, and for that, I'm floored.
ROBERT
When I think about Sinners, I think about a host of other films I revere, as it makes its fresh and impactful homages without feeling rote or derivative. This is a movie about power and ubiquity, and that is exactly how I would describe it as an experience: powerful and ubiquitous. Its musicality, its set pieces, and a complete euphony of on-camera and behind-camera endeavors come together to deliver something meaningful. The best genre stories reflect society subtextually while being entertaining with what it puts in front of you, and Coogler sets a complete feast out for audiences to devour.
BODE
When director Ryan Coogler stepped into the world of franchise filmmaking, starting with Creed and later the Black Panther movies, he balanced rich subtext with the conventions of their respective series (Rocky and the MCU) with ease, infusing both with fresh blood. With Sinners, Coogler does so again with a concept entirely his own, and it succeeds as both a portrait of Black creativity and liberation in the Jim Crow era and a pulpy, fun vampire flick, accentuated by great performances (including a breakout turn from Miles Caton), great music, and stunning cinematography. It’s not perfect, but it’s thrilling, nonetheless.
