Thoughts on - Sinners

Singing Vampires ??

This movie almost flew under the radar for me. It wasn’t until the reviews started making waves online that I took notice. Next thing I knew, I was booking a Wednesday afternoon ticket and calling in sick to work under fake pretenses.

I’d heard the film leaned heavily on musicals, and I’m not a big fan of them so to say I was nervous going in would be an understatement. I half-expected it to be one of those films critics rave about in the name of “art,” but that offer little in terms of actual enjoyment. Thankfully, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

The first half of the movie takes its time introducing the characters and setting up the plot. It's not too fast, not too slow it unfolds at just the right pace, allowing you to gradually invest in the story and the people within it. You meet each character and slowly grow to care about them. Then comes the second half, where all that buildup pays off and it’s executed beautifully.

The music is the soul of the movie. I was amazed to discover while digging through Apple Music and Letterboxd that Miles Caton not only acted but also sang many of the songs. This was his debut film, and yet he went toe to toe with a powerhouse like Michael B. Jordan. That alone is an achievement.

I’d heard whispers of the film being a horror movie, but I wouldn't categorize it that way. Sure, there are a few jump scares, but nothing that defines the genre. Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan are turning into quite the pairing they clearly understand each other.

So, when did I fall in love with this movie? It was during the first night of the Juke, when Sammie begins singing “I Lied to You.” Toward the end of that song, when all the different musical threads start to blend into a single, moving symphony that’s when it hit me. That’s when I knew I was in love.

I watched it in IMAX, and the sound design didn’t disappoint and played a big role in making the movie’s music feel as impactful as it felt. If you're planning to see it, do yourself a favour watch it with the best sound system you can find. Songs that stayed with me long after the credits rolled were “I Lied to You,” “Pale Pale Moon,” and “Rocky Road to Dublin.” But honestly, I’ve saved the entire album to my favorites.