The Stream: A bit too long, too musical and lacking in the scary department.

The Big Screen: The music. The production values. The cast.

The Final Bill: A must-see spin on a vampire movie that’s engaging and thought-provoking.

– S2S and Trip Fontaine
Director: Ryan Coogler
Writers: Ryan Coogler
Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku,
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Action
Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language.
Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes (+ mid-credits and end credits scenes)
Production Companies: Warner Bros., Proximity Media, Warner Bros. Discovery
Platform: In theaters April 18, 2025
Notable Trailers: Thunderbolts, Him, The Final Destination: Bloodlines

Hey, Streamers! It feels pretty rare in 2025 to have a new movie released that isn’t a sequel, prequel or based on some existing IP. Therefore, we better be grateful when a talented filmmaker, like Ryan Coogler, writes and directs an original movie like Sinners, which was released this weekend. In Sinners, Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, are twins who return to their hometown in Mississippi to open a juke joint. Along the way, they pick up their cousin, Sammie (Miles Caton), who is a blues playing prodigy, and a cast of characters to help them get their nightclub scheme off the ground. As these things go, opening night proves to be fraught with mysterious interlopers intent on making trouble. Bloody, bluesy and booze-filled hijinks ensue.

In Sinners, Coogler has created an engaging and thought-provoking movie that mixes movie genres and music to tell an entertaining and original story. There are so many interesting elements of this film that are top-notch and add to the overall success of the movie. Here’s the rundown:

First, Coogler has laid the foundation of a great story about family, history, race, religion, music and the consequences of one’s actions; and it’s all wrapped up in a Southern gothic-horror genre movie. There’s exploration and intersectionality of so many topics that it’s almost mind boggling.  The complexity of what it is to be a man or woman during the 1930s, mixed with what it means to be a Black person, or a “passing” woman, mixed with pain avoidant behaviors versus co-dependency, freedom versus oppression, right and wrong, duty versus free will, local versus mythical folklore, and others.  Coogler explores it all.  Yes, it takes a while to establish the characters and set up the plot, but all of that set up is well-worth it when the horror elements begin to take over. However, don’t expect the horror element to really become prominent until at least halfway through. Either way, the characters that populate this movie are specific, compelling and each one is important in their own right. This is even more impressive when you have a story about twins and the twins are portrayed by the same actor. Coogler has made some truly memorable scenes in this movie. You will definitely sit-up in your seat and creep to the edge as the movie pulls you in. Honestly, Tarantino fans might as well jump ship now for their next set of 9 movies.

Second, the look of this movie is exceptional, which includes the production design, costumes and the cinematography. There are some eye-opening and indelible images. Characters glow and you can almost feel the sweat dripping off the people in the juke joint. The music sequences are so powerful and unique that it almost makes the movie into a musical. The music throughout is like a character in its own right. That may turn some viewers off but it’s hard to deny the talent displayed on the screen. I will say that cinematically, one of the music sequences could take the viewer out of the movie. Coogler was trying to portray a part of the story but ultimately some viewers may find the images and music mash up too stereotypical or off-putting that its distracting. One man’s trash is another’s treasure.

Finally, the cast is excellent in bringing these richly-drawn characters to life. Miles Caton is so good as Sammie. His voice is remarkable, and he has an endearing presence. Michael B. Jordan gets to do double duty and smashes both characters. We always need more Michael B. I really loved Wunmi Mosaku as Annie, the heart-and-soul of the film. She’s strong and smart and has some great lines. Also, her chemistry with Michael B. is palpable. Delroy Lindo always does his thing and even though Li Jun Li has a minor character in the film she also kills her main speech with passion and desperation that comes through the screen.

Ultimately, Sinners is the best movie of 2025 so far. It uses elements of different movie genres to tell a compelling and entertaining story. It will draw you in with its top-notch production values and talented cast. If only all movies were as original and ambitious as Sinners, then moviegoers would always find something worth watching in the theaters. Until then, grab a big box of popcorn and run out to the theater for this one.