Ryan Coogler has established his name primarily through franchises. After making his debut feature film, “Fruitvale Station,” in 2013 he went on to direct and write for major franchises, such as “Creed” and “Black Panther,” to make his greater mark in the film industry. However, it is not until now that Coogler has truly showcased his full strengths as a profound force in the film industry with his 2025 masterpiece, “Sinners.”
Coogler has always been the kind of filmmaker who takes what has been done before and tries to improve upon it with his own film. This comes at its strongest with “Sinners,” where audiences will get what is essentially a much darker and engrossing version of the 1996 film “From Dusk Till Dawn.” Although, like many classic films, this manages to be both fun and entertaining on the surface while still being very deep and layered upon closer examination.
“Sinners” is a story of twin brothers, both played by Michael B. Jordan, who travel back to their hometown to make a fun juke joint for their families and friends, only to realize the devil chose that same night to knock on their doorstep. Somehow, despite a premise as simple as that, the film manages to create a vampire film that is both entertaining and frightening at the same time. It also gives the audience characters that are sympathetic and memorable enough to care when one of them has a moment of joy or horror. Even the vampires of the film have enough layers to them so that there can be sympathy for them, and furthermore a message of how evil can come between those who have much in common.
Music is deeply ingrained in the 1932 Mississippi culture that “Sinners” takes place in, and it is enough to be infectious. There are many moments where audiences will be tapping their toes along to the soulful blues that many of the characters dance to with their hearts out. It is so deeply ingrained in the film that, at times, especially in one particular scene, it almost seems that “Sinners” is a magical epic. This is thanks in no small part to the masterful soundtrack from Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson. Somehow, with an already impressive set of soundtracks under his belt, Göransson manages to give some of his best work yet with a musical work that stays in the ears long after walking out of the auditorium.
“Sinners” is an incredible experience that audiences deserve to see. The praise it has garnered is warranted, and in time, it may become a respected horror classic. It certainly lands Coogler among some of the best directors working today.
