SINNERS

After years away in Chicago, twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) return to their Mississippi home to establish a juke joint. Their opening night draws a full house, with patrons enjoying the soulful blues and flowing drinks. When three white folk ask to be let in, no one foresees the evil they are about to unleash. In a similar vein to ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ the first half focuses on character development and story buildup, before hurtling into vampire territory. Music features heavily throughout and is the foundation of the film. The rich throaty score feels as if it was composed first, with everything else crafted around it. The cinematography, costumes and meticulous colour grading authentically capture the deep south in the 1930’s, while themes of redemption, reinvention, and forgiveness infiltrate every twist and turn. The mid way dance number is unforgettable! Its choreography merges traditional southern dance styles with modern influences, creating a mesmerising performance. The dancers move with a sense of liberation, which is soon shattered by what’s to come. Jordan is seamless as the ‘Smoke Stack’ brothers, capturing their distinct personalities and showcasing his versatility as an actor. Ryan Cooglers direction is impeccable and this is so much more than a gratuitous horror flick. It’s an experience. Closure comes a few minutes into the credits, so stick around until the very end. Layered, artistic and atmospheric.