Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, is making waves at the box office and among critics alike. Released on April 22, 2025, the movie has already grossed a staggering $55.8 million domestically, following a remarkable opening weekend where it earned $48 million. This success is particularly notable as it has become the first horror movie to receive an A CinemaScore, a significant achievement in a genre often overlooked by audiences.
Sinners is not just a vampire film; it is a complex exploration of the cultural power of music, especially that created by Black artists throughout history. The film is set in 1932 and follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, portrayed by Jordan, who return to their segregated Mississippi Delta hometown after surviving the horrors of World War I and gangland Chicago. Flush with cash and a plan to open a juke joint, the brothers face unexpected challenges that intertwine their personal histories with broader themes of art and survival.
One of the film's standout moments occurs when young blues musician Sammie, played by Miles Caton, performs in a juke joint. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the transcendent nature of music. As Sammie plays, the film features a surreal montage that brings together musicians from different eras, including African drummers and modern hip-hop DJs, showcasing the deep roots and evolution of Black music. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw described this sequence as having “so many layers,” emphasizing the historical significance of the music and the cultural heritage it represents.
Arkapaw explained how the scene was shot using IMAX cameras, which can only film continuously for about two minutes. The sequence was constructed in three separate shots and then seamlessly edited together, creating a visually stunning experience that resonates deeply with viewers. The song that accompanies this pivotal moment, “I Lied to You,” was a collaboration between score composer Ludwig Göransson and singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq, adding another layer of authenticity to the film's musical landscape.
Michael B. Jordan, reflecting on his preparation for the dual roles of Smoke and Stack, spoke about the importance of understanding the dynamics of identical twins. He engaged with real-life twins to gain insight into their relationships, noting, “Being able to talk to other identical twins and get a baseline and see what was the common denominator in a lot of their dynamics growing up as kids was important.” He emphasized the significance of exploring how shared experiences shape their identities, particularly against the backdrop of their traumatic childhoods and the societal challenges they faced.
Coogler’s film has been praised not only for its storytelling but also for its groundbreaking approach to representation in Hollywood. Nearly half of the film's opening day audience was comprised of Black moviegoers, a statistic that highlights the film's appeal and significance within the community. This demographic breakdown continued throughout the opening weekend, with 38% of ticket buyers identifying as Black, followed by 35% white, 18% Latino, and 5% Asian.
The film's success is also a testament to the strategic marketing and distribution efforts by Warner Bros., which managed to position Sinners as a must-see event. The studio’s ability to generate buzz and excitement around the film has resulted in a strong word-of-mouth campaign, helping it outperform initial projections that ranged from $35 million to $50 million for its opening weekend.
Critically, Sinners has received widespread acclaim, currently holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the best-reviewed film of Coogler’s career. This surpasses his previous hits, including Black Panther and Creed, both of which were also celebrated for their cultural impact and storytelling. Coogler's commitment to promoting diversity both in front of and behind the camera has been a hallmark of his work, and Sinners continues this tradition.
As the film continues to draw audiences and accolades, it stands as a significant contribution to the horror genre, blending traditional elements with profound cultural commentary. It challenges viewers to reflect on the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit, all while delivering the thrills expected from a vampire movie.
In addition to its box office success, Sinners is poised to be a strong contender during award season, with both Coogler and Göransson likely to receive nominations for their respective contributions. The film not only entertains but also invites discussions about the intersection of art, history, and identity, making it a pivotal piece in contemporary cinema.
As audiences flock to theaters, Sinners is proving to be more than just a film; it is an exploration of the cultural fabric that binds communities together through the power of music and storytelling.
