Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sinners, a horror film directed by Ryan Coogler of Black Panther fame, stars Michael B. Jordan in a standout dual performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Set during Prohibition, the story follows the brothers as they leave Chicago and return to their Mississippi hometown to open a nightclub.
In 1932, at the height of the Depression, two veterans start a juke joint for the local black community using money stolen from gangsters,. Trouble ensues.
The film's first act unfolds over the course of a single day, building anticipation for the club's grand opening. This section is rich in character development, allowing viewers to get to know both brothers-each with his own distinct personality, history, and romantic entanglements. We're also introduced to a colorful supporting cast that brings the town to life.
When the nightclub finally opens, the energy shifts. The music, dancing, and revelry take center stage. One particularly memorable sequence blends musicians and dancers from different time periods and cultures, highlighting the universal language of music, storytelling, and dance. It's a visually stunning and emotionally resonant moment.
And then the horror begins.
What seems like a familiar monster setup quickly takes a sharp turn. Without spoiling too much, let's just say things escalate fast and furiously-and few characters make it out alive. A standout moment for me was a scene where the monsters play Irish music. I've always loved that genre, but in this context, it's rendered haunting and eerie. It was chillingly effective.
The performances are strong across the board, with Jordan anchoring the film. The music is excellent, the scares are inventive, and the gore is used effectively. Impressively, the entire story takes place over 24 hours, yet the film manages to fully flesh out its characters and stakes in that short span.
Historical tidbits sprinkled throughout-like references to sharecropping, wooden nickels, and World War I add texture and depth to the story.
Sinners exceeded my expectations. It's stylish, surprising, and unsettling in all the right ways. Horror fans, take note: this one's worth your time.
4 out of 5 stars.
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