Sinners – Movie Review (4/5)

SINNERS is a supernatural horror drama that stays with you long after the end credits. But do make sure you stick around for those. Amazing cast, gorgeous visuals, strong story, and brilliant soundtrack. Read our full Sinners movie review here!

SINNERS is finally out on VOD, and this is a horror movie you do not want to miss out on. However, know that you will be getting a lot more than “just” a horror movie. This is a supernatural horror drama set nearly one century ago… with vampires.

The runtime of over two hours didn’t even register with me. I mean that in the sense that I wanted it to just keep going. It’s a movie that you need to just surrender to. The story and world-building are amazing, which makes surrendering very easy.

Continue reading our Sinners movie review below. Find it on PVOD from June 3, 2025.

A different kind of vampire story

With Sinners, we’re getting a new vampire story. This is very different in the build-up, where we’re getting more of a historical drama. Then again, this could be said for plenty of other vampire movies. I just still feel this is different, thanks to the setting and focus on music.

And yes, music plays a big role as it quite literally transcends time. Just give in to it, and you’ll have an amazing experience with Sinners. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was completely mesmerized. Almost like a vampire was glamouring me.

Anyway, what makes Sinners different is both the character-driven story and the fact that (to a point), we’re also meant to understand the vampires. They are villains for sure, but they are also human beings who were underdogs in life and have become top predators in death.

We meet the SmokeStack twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) as they’re trying to leave behind a mess in Chicago. They left the South to find freedom in the North, but after supposedly working for Capone, they’re back home in Mississippi.

They have cash, alcohol, and a desire to build something for themselves and anyone like them. Unfortunately, their timing is awful as a vampire infestation is about to attack their hometown.

As the preacher tries to warn his son, “You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.” And the day has apparently arrived!

Brilliant casting all across the board

Seeing Michael B. Jordan star in a Ryan Coogler movie is hardly surprising. He usually stars in Coogler’s movies. However, for this one, he’s playing two roles as the twins, Smoke and Stack. These are nicknames, of course, as they’re actually Elias and Elijah.

Michael B. Jordan is brilliant as these two brothers who are very different, but also fiercely loyal and perfect partners in all areas of life. They complement one another perfectly.

Starring as their love interests are Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. While I’ve always liked both, I must admit that I actually adore Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country, Deadpool & Wolverine). More so after each new role I see her portray.

Seeing her as Annie in Sinners only added even more to this!

Also in a key role is the newcomer Miles Caton. Not only does he have an unforgettable voice, but he is also a strong character actor. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Miles Caton.

Finally, in important parts of the vampire story, we have Jack O’Connell (Eden Lake, Unbroken) and Lola Kirke (Gone Girl, Lost Girls). You also get to enjoy wonderful performances from Li Jun Li, Yao, and Delroy Lindo (Malicious).

Watch Sinners at home now

Ryan Coogler is the writer and director of Sinners. The Academy Award-nominated filmmaker delivers something quite different from his previous movies. Especially as this is ultimately a classic horror movie.

Many know Ryan Coogler from the Creed movies and the Marvel Black Panther universe. However, I will never forget watching his 2013 debut feature film, Fruitvale Station, which also starred Michael B. Jordan. If you haven’t watched this movie, then you should!

For this horror movie, Ryan Coogler designed the Southern-set vampire universe with IMAX in mind. The entire film was lensed on their proprietary IMAX 15/65mm cameras, and the result is a stunning visual experience. With Sinners, everything just comes together.

I can’t wait to watch it again, and now that it’s out on Digital, I’m able to watch it at home… again and again. Also, do not skip the end credits. There is a very important scene early on and an additional one at the very end.

Sinners is out on Digital PVOD from June 3, 2025.

Details

Director: Ryan Coogler
Writer: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo