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Sinners (2025) Movie Review: Ryan Coogler’s Vampire Drama Bites Deep
- Sakshi D
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Look, I’ll be honest. When I heard about another vampire movie, I wasn’t excited. After years of sparkly Twilight vampires and romantic bloodsuckers, I thought I was done with the whole genre. But then a friend sent me this:
And well, I was convinced enough to watch it. They were right! Ryan Coogler’s Sinners reminded me why vampires can be compelling when handled with care and creativity.
TMJ Rating: 🍿🍿🍿🍿/ 5
What You Need to Know about Sinner by Ryan Coogler
Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both Michael B. Jordan) who return to 1930s Mississippi with mob money and dreams of opening a music venue. It starts as a family drama, but slowly transforms into a supernatural thriller when vampires begin terrorizing their community (sounds a lot like The Vampire Diaries, doesn’t it?).
The story centers on a young musician whose exceptional guitar skills might be summoning dark forces. I won’t spoil how it all connects, but the setup is more patient and character-driven than your typical horror flick.
Think less “vampire massacre from minute one” and more “let’s get to know these people before all hell breaks loose.”
Cinematography and Visuals
Coogler and his cinematographer craft a visual feast that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
The film’s Southern Gothic aesthetic is rendered with stunning attention to detail—from the rich lighting that captures both the warmth of juke joints and the menace lurking in shadows, to period-perfect costumes and sets that feel lived-in rather than constructed.
Several shots are genuinely wallpaper-worthy, particularly during the musical sequences where light and shadow dance with the rhythm.
The vampire sequences, when they arrive, blend practical and digital effects seamlessly. Coogler continues to build dread through atmosphere and suggestion, making the horror feel earned rather than cheap.
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Acting and Cast Performance
Michael B. Jordan delivers career-best work playing the twin brothers with remarkable nuance. You genuinely forget you’re watching one actor perform both roles.
Here’s more on this from the actor himself!
The real star is Miles Caton, who plays a young musician. This might be his first movie, but he’s amazing. There’s this one musical scene that gave me chills. You’ll know it when you see it.
The supporting cast is wonderful too. Delroy Lindo embodies the Southern elder archetype with lived-in authenticity, while Hailee Steinfeld delivers some of her strongest work. Wunmi Mosaku brings warmth and gravitas that ground the supernatural elements in emotional reality.
What Makes This Different
Sinners isn’t trying to make vampires sexy or romantic. These are genuine threats that feel dangerous. Unlike the more romanticized vampires we’ve gotten used to, these creatures are built for tension, not heartthrob status.
What really sets this apart is how it blends supernatural elements with real historical tension. Considering the setting, the movie highlights that human threats are just as intense as the supernatural ones.
The racism and violence of the era created this atmosphere where danger lurks everywhere, not just in the shadows.
The musical sequences deserve special mention; Ludwig Göransson’s score creates an immersive soundscape that transforms theater speakers into instruments of emotional manipulation.
Where It Stumbles
I won’t lie to you. This movie tests your patience. The first 40 minutes move slowly, and if you’re expecting vampire action right away, you’ll be checking your watch. Some people will love this deliberate pacing. Others will get restless.
The ending also feels overstuffed. Just when you think the movie’s wrapping up, it keeps going. There are essentially three different endings stacked on top of each other. Each one works individually, but together they make the movie feel longer than it needs to be.
My Honest Take
Sinners isn’t perfect, but it’s exactly the kind of original filmmaking I want to see more of. After years of sequels and reboots, Coogler has created something that feels genuinely fresh. It’s ambitious, personal, and doesn’t talk down to its audience.
Should you Watch It? Absolutely!
Especially on the biggest screen with the best sound system you can find. Ryan Coogler's Sinners rewards patience and demands to be experienced rather than merely watched.
One important note: stay through the credits. The final scene is essential. Trust me on this one.
Have you seen Sinners? How do you think it compares to other vampire movies? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe for more honest movie reviews.
