‘Sinners’ review: Michael B. Jordan plays twins in an intoxicating Southern vampire flick

In the realm of cinematic horror, the Southern United States and vampire lore have long been intertwined, creating a chillingly captivating combination. This enduring connection is explored once again in the new film “Sinners,” a Southern gothic horror directed by Ryan Coogler. From Anne Rice’s sophisticated vampires haunting New Orleans to the gritty creatures of “True Blood” in the Louisiana bayous, the region’s sultry ambiance consistently enhances the allure of these nocturnal beings.

Setting the Stage: Mississippi’s Sinister Charm

Director Ryan Coogler, acclaimed for “Black Panther” and “Creed,” shifts the scene to Mississippi for “Sinners,” a compelling genre-bending movie. This shrewd film intricately weaves together elements of blues music, intense religious passion, and the brutal racial hatred prevalent during the Jim Crow era, casting a haunting spell over its audience. The heavy Southern air, thick with unspoken tensions, amplifies the palpable heat and passion that permeates the narrative, even as it embraces a growing cast of characters untouched by life itself.

An Arresting Beginning

“Sinners” initiates with an impactful scene: a young boy, Sammie (portrayed by Miles Caton), bursts into a church, visibly soiled and distressed. This arresting opening serves as a prelude, prompting a rewind to 24 hours prior, revealing the arrival of enigmatic twin brothers, Smoke and Stack.

The Twins’ Return

Identical twins Smoke and Stack, both portrayed with compelling charisma by Michael B. Jordan, journey back to their Mississippi home from Chicago. Their purpose: to inaugurate a juke joint on the very night of their return.

Genre Subversion and Small-Town Life

Intriguingly, for a significant portion, “Sinners” deviates from typical horror conventions. Viewers might momentarily forget they are immersed in a horror film. The movie transitions into portraying gentle, small-town vignettes. These scenes depict the twins procuring supplies, recruiting bartenders, and assembling a blues band. Sammie, a preacher’s son with musical aspirations against his father’s strict views, becomes a key member, showcasing his vocal and guitar talents.

Building Atmosphere and Tension

The generally cheerful atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by the stark realities of the 1932 political climate, adopts a “band reunion” feel. This lighter tone effectively heightens the eventual descent into darkness.

Confronting the Fanged Reality

As the characters converge for the juke joint’s opening – reuniting with old flames such as Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), sparking new connections with Pearline (Jayme Lawson), and enjoying the company of hardworking friends – “Sinners” abruptly plunges back into a realm of mortal danger and vampiric terror. The festive mood shatters as the supernatural intrudes with deadly consequences.

Music as a Conjuring Force

Coogler, who also penned the script, emphasizes music – blues, rock, and notably, Celtic influences – as a potent, almost ritualistic force of attraction. These melodies act as a siren call to the film’s bloodthirsty antagonists, drawing them in like moths to a flame.

A Bold and Intoxicating Sequence

A particularly striking and audacious scene unfolds within the shed, where timelines intermingle, and characters oscillate between frenzied motion and stillness. An illusory fire engulfs them, while malevolence lurks ominously just beyond the periphery. This sequence, reminiscent of the intensity of tracks like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” risks veering into caricature. However, Coogler’s assured direction transforms it into an enthralling and captivating experience.

Michael B. Jordan’s Dual Performance

Initial skepticism arose regarding Michael B. Jordan’s dual role, particularly following Robert De Niro’s recent attempt at a similar twin portrayal. However, Jordan adeptly avoids caricature, subtly differentiating the twins.

Subtle Distinctions

The twins are distinguished primarily through visual cues – one wears a blue newsboy cap, the other a red fedora – and nuanced variations in their demeanor. Smoke embodies a more amorous nature, while Stack leans towards aggression and combat. This understated approach effectively distinguishes the characters without resorting to broad comedic strokes.

Seamless Twin Portrayal

As “Sinners” progresses and the tension escalates, the viewer genuinely suspends disbelief, forgetting they are witnessing a single actor in dual roles – a testament to Jordan’s compelling performance and Coogler’s direction.

Playful Horror with Potent Themes

While Coogler steers the film back into overt horror territory during the bloody climax, “Sinners” maintains an underlying current of dark humor and playfulness. Despite haunting visuals, the film avoids excessive terror, perhaps intentionally mitigating nightmares for some viewers.

Genre Tropes and Relevant Messages

By deftly merging classic genre conventions with significant thematic depth, “Sinners” adheres to the time-tested formula for exceptional horror cinema. Director Ryan Coogler reaffirms his capacity to deliver impactful narratives, whether exploring boxing dramas, superhero epics, or, in this instance, the realm of blood-sucking vampires. This film showcases his versatility and thematic resonance within diverse cinematic landscapes.