By Sophia Fraser
“Sinners” written and directed by Ryan Coogler is a thriller, drama horror that delves into the themes of guilt, redemption and the blurred lines of morality and sin. The film indirectly takes inspiration from the story of Robert Johnson, a Mississippi blues musician who sold his soul to the devil at a local cross-road in return for mastery of his guitar, as well as the character of the Wolf from “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” being an influence.
Having globally premiered on 18 April, the film offers us a view into unsettling human nature and the consequences of actions. Set in 1932 a rural Mississippi town of Clarkdale, Sinners follows a story of two troubled twin brothers, Elijah “smoke” and Elias “stack”, WWI veterans and former Chicago bootleggers returning to their hometown with a goal to open up a ‘juke’ joint that celebrates black culture, music and freedom. What begins out as a story of redemption and community unexpectedly takes a supernatural turn in the wrong direction, where secrets get unearthed and everything they’ve built is under threat.
Michael B Jordan plays both twins just when you think he can’t get more talented. His performance of the dual role is nothing short of commanding, he fully inhabits the roles of Smoke and Stack, distinguishing them with subtle physicality and emotional nuance. It’s no wonder social media has
erupted with TikTok edits and side-by-side comparisons showing just how convincingly he brings each brother to life.
Miles Caton, who was encouraged to audition for the role of Sammie Moore, despite having no prior film experience. He underwent intensive preparation, learning the blues guitar within two months and drawing upon his music background to bring that authenticity to the character. Caton
expressed how much he appreciated the collaborative environment on set, especially the mentorship that Michael B. Jordan provided him.
The cast of Sinners really stands out, with every actor bringing real depth to their roles. Wunmi Mosaku’s character is a strong emotional center in the story. Hailee Steinfeld shows off her acting range, and honestly, I was amazed by her performance throughout the film. Together, the cast made the story feel natural and pulled me into the characters’ struggles and growth.
The film also shines visually. The cinematography is otherworldly breathtaking, capturing the beauty and mystery of 1930s Mississippi with a dreamlike essence. The transitions between scenes flow effortlessly, supported by the soundtrack created by the legendary Ludwig Göransson which elevates the emotional intensity of the film. Ludwig mixed various genres including, blues, irish folk, gosper, jazz and soul, all which were performed on screen. Ludwig and director Ryan Coogler worked closely
together, having known each other since college, where they first met at a frat house and connecting right away by their passion for music. We could see the absolute success of the soundtrack as it was streamed a whopping 1.3 million times in its first weekend.
Sinners feels like Coogler’s most personal project yet, rooted in his family’s Mississippi heritage – a subject rarely discussed during his upbringing. He said the idea came from thinking about his roots and the stories his Uncle James would share, usually only when blues music was playing. That connection inspired him to dig deeper and use the film to reclaim a part of his family’s history, so Sinners explore these hidden roots while celebrating black culture, music and legacy.
Critics have universally praised Sinners for its bold storytelling and exceptional performances. The Guardian described it as “a genre-defying, richly symbolic film about cultural resilience,” while The Irish Times named it “the best film of 2025 so far.” GQ hailed it as “a powerful meditation on Black artistry and the struggle to create without compromise.”
Personally, I agree and think this is a phenomenal film—I’m a huge fan of thrillers, and this one definitely kept me hooked from start to finish.
It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Sinners is out in cinemas worldwide, so go grab your tickets and head down to your local cinema so you can experience it for yourself.
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