In this deep-dive review of Sinners, I break down why this film is an instant classic and one of the most important pieces of Black cinema in recent years. Directed by Ryan Coogler—who I consider a generational director—Sinners blends horror, historical commentary, music, and identity into a powerful story set in 1932 Mississippi.

We explore the film's major themes, including:

• The duality of Black joy and struggle

• Vampirism as a metaphor for cultural appropriation

• Music as resistance and spiritual connection

• Capitalism’s impact on marginalized labor

• Racial ambiguity and identity through casting

• Griot traditions, memory, and storytelling

I also talk about the incredible performances from Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Canton, Delroy Lindo, and Wunmi Mosaku, and how the film uses genre to confront real-world history without romanticizing the past.

If you’ve seen Sinners or plan to, let’s talk about it. This is the kind of movie that stays with you.