Sinners
Yknow I don’t do actual reviews for rewatches but seeing this one was pre Letterboxd and bc of the fact it’s fucking sinners I suppose I’ll do one.
Sinner? I hardly know her!
Sinners is a cool ass clever horror drama that’s really an all fucking timer.
What a screenplay man wow. Connecting vampires to race and cultural assimilation is such a brilliant idea how come I didn’t think of it! It’s so unique and interesting twist on the vampire genre and like has actual meaning to it that I think a lot of other horror movies lack. The best ones usually have something to say beyond their concept of zombies or cults or whatever it is and sinners is a really really great example of sharp social commentary and elevated(?) horror. But it’s not like pretentious or anything like it’s still a really fun horror flick, it’s a perfect blend honestly. Speaking of this one is a horror movie that takes about 90 minutes to get to the horror. And I think that’s just really smart as well, this movie has such rich backstory and fleshes out the characters so deeply which in itself is very impressive but then you realize that you’re watching a vampire movie and by the time vampires start to roll in character deaths and events start to have real weight. It’s really fucking smart and incredibly engaging. Also the tributes to like classic vampire shit is so fucking rad dude like the garlic and wooden stakes or being let in was just awesome to see like I really did appreciate it. Beyond the vampires themselves I just really like this script, again all the characters have such a deep and rich history that is conveyed in a really compelling way and showcases each of their traits. Smoke and stack are obv highlights but legit everyone else is almost as compelling and is given at least something, it’s really good.
The cinematography is beautiful, I love the darker hues this one uses and don’t even get me STARTED on the imax scenes. Genuinely fucking paintings, every single time it used imax it was legit fucking eye sex. Wonderful contrast and like it made the already great cinematography that’s present look bad for a little bit!
Ryan coogler does a great job directing, all the musical scenes are highlights. I lied to you is like legit magic ion know how he did that! The Irish jig was also really great, quite frenetic and charming I loved it. Great balance of tone as well, the genre switch is handled beautifully like it made so much sense in the wrong hands it would’ve been like ridiculous imo. This movie knows when to be funny and spooky and dramatic handled really well. Oh also those cuts like the opening or the one where haily stienfeld is chased or the curtain pull w cornbread, chefs kiss so cool.
The music? Bro ts generational. Such an incredible score man like the southern vibe is nailed and just sounds so coool smokestack twins is a fucking banger. And the switch to a more gothic almost metal style fits so well with the genre switch like I absolutely adored it. It just like feels so vampiric in a way I can’t describe it. Last time I seen the sun and I lied to you are also like works of art dude I lied to you could’ve been stupid but somehow it pulled off that vibe really well and last time I seen the sun is really powerful and a great emotional capper.
The acting is great. Micheal b Jordan is really really really good here like goddamn! And it’s not the fact he played 2 people, range doesn’t make you a good actor automatically. It’s his genuineness and commitment to the character that stands out to me, he plays both smoke and stack really well and accentuates their characteristics and personalities really well. Like smoke is cool headed and stack is hot headed but not in a cartoonish way, they both have traits of each other and that is something he totally nails. Everyone else is great as well, really strong ensemble, wumni musako, miles caton and delay lindo are just amazing as well like goddamn bro.
Overall, it’s fucking sinners you know it’s amazing. And honestly ion know who’s winning picture this year! Total coin flip!
This one feels like having the function ALWAYS be at your house.