My quick rating – 7.3/10. Set in the sultry shadows of 1930s Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers who return to their hometown with hopes of redemption and rebirth. Their dream? To open a juke joint and leave their pasts behind. But, as they quickly learn, some sins don’t stay buried—and in classic genre-blending fashion, what begins as a Southern drama quickly plunges into a full-blown creature-feature bloodbath.
Despite some buzz about it being “unique” or “original,” let’s be honest: it’s From Dusk Till Dawn in period clothing. That’s not necessarily a knock; Coogler clearly isn’t aiming to reinvent the wheel. Instead, he’s giving it a fresh coat of paint, some high-end audio upgrades, and Michael B. Jordan in the driver’s seat… twice. Playing both brothers, Jordan pulls off the dual role with swagger, an ambitious challenge that pays off with the help of superb visual effects that let us forget we’re watching one actor carry two personas.
Stylistically, Sinners is a marvel. From the muted golden palette of the Mississippi setting to the glistening horror of the second act, the camera work is slick and immersive. Ryan Coogler’s direction is confident, balancing moody drama, musical soul, and violent chaos without losing momentum. The editing is tight, the pacing patient but purposeful, and the sound design is layered and sharp.
And then there’s the music. Sinners isn’t just horror, it’s a musical celebration of Black Southern culture, blues, and gospel. Ludwig Göransson’s score and song selections are transcendent. Scene after scene, the soundtrack elevates emotion, tension, and atmosphere. I rarely call out a film’s music department, but Göransson deserves every bit of recognition here. Special mention to newcomer Miles Caton, who delivers both musically and dramatically in an unforgettable debut. Hailee Steinfeld plays a dual-natured role with chilling precision, and the inclusion of true legend Buddy Guy is more than just a cameo—it’s a tonal anchor that emotionally pulled on me.
If there’s a misstep, it’s the moment near the end that feels tonally jarring. It tries to say something profound but ends up disrupting the rhythm the film had so carefully built. Thankfully, what follows brings things back on track.
Sinners might not be the most groundbreaking horror film in premise, but its execution is among the best the genre has seen in 2025. Between its powerful performances, standout music, stunning visuals, and genre-splicing boldness, it manages to honor its influences while carving out an identity of its own. It sings, it slashes, and for fans of horror with soul, it hits the right notes.
Quick turnaround on these streamers, including Amazon for theater-at-home pricing.