Sinners

Plot Summary

Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), World War I veterans who return to their hometown after years with the Chicago Outfit. Using money stolen from gangsters, they purchase a sawmill from racist landowner Hogwood to establish a juke joint for the local Black community.

As they recruit various individuals—including their cousin Sammie, an aspiring guitarist; pianist Delta Slim; singer Pearline; and Smoke’s estranged wife Annie—the brothers confront supernatural forces tied to the occult and blues music. The film intertwines themes of redemption, racial tension, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow-era South.

Cast and Characters

• Michael B. Jordan – Dual roles as twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore
• Hailee Steinfeld – Annie, Smoke’s estranged wife and cook at the juke joint
• Miles Caton – Sammie, the aspiring guitarist and cousin to the twins
• Jack O’Connell – Hogwood, the racist landowner
• Wunmi Mosaku – Delta Slim, the pianist
• Jayme Lawson – Pearline, the singer
• Omar Miller – Cornbread, the bouncer
• Delroy Lindo – Pastor Jedidiah, Sammie’s father

Production and Cinematic Style

Sinners was shot on 65mm film using IMAX 70mm and Ultra Panavision 70mm cameras, alternating between 1.43:1 and 2.76:1 aspect ratios to enhance the visual experience. The film’s cinematography, led by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, captures the haunting beauty of the Mississippi Delta, immersing viewers in its atmosphere.

Ludwig Göransson, a frequent collaborator with Coogler, composed the film’s score. Drawing inspiration from 1930s and 1940s blues music, Göransson utilized a 1932 Dobro Cyclops resonator guitar, the same model carried by Sammie in the film, to create an authentic soundscape.

Box Office and Reception

Upon its release on April 18, 2025, Sinners grossed $61 million globally in its opening weekend. The film’s strong performance continued, with a second-weekend gross of $45.7 million and a third-weekend gross of $33 million.

Critics have lauded the film’s direction, performances, and thematic depth. A.A. Dowd of Rolling Stone praised Coogler for “swinging wide and far beyond the boundaries of franchise fare,” while The Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday highlighted the performances of Jordan, Mosaku, and Caton.

Audiences have also responded positively, with CinemaScore giving the film an average grade of “A” and PostTrak reporting a 92% overall positive score, with 84% saying they would definitely recommend the film.

Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack, released on April 18, 2025, features 22 tracks performed by an array of blues musicians, alongside the cast members. The lead single “Sinners,” performed by Rod Wave, was released two weeks prior to the film’s release.

Critical Discussions

Critics have noted that Sinners revitalizes the vampire genre by blending historical realism with supernatural elements. The film serves as a lens through which unsettling questions about history, race, and morality are examined, reflecting society’s repressed fears and desires.

Visual Aesthetic

The film’s visual style, influenced by Southern Gothic aesthetics, enhances its atmospheric tension. The use of lighting and set design creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop that complements the film’s themes of the supernatural and racial tension.

Sinners stands as a testament to Ryan Coogler’s directorial prowess, blending genre elements with profound social commentary. Its success at the box office and acclaim from critics and audiences alike underscore its impact as a significant cinematic achievement.