Sinners
Smokestack Lightning on Screen
I’ve really struggled to connect with films this year, which is largely due to my lack of effort in going to the cinema, despite keeping up to date with the latest releases.
My last trip was to watch F1, which was good, but more style over substance, and one that I wouldn’t exactly rave about.
After hearing Ryan Coogler’s Sinners being considered one of the best films of the year, I was both excited and nervous to watch it.
Not that I doubted Coogler as a confident director, having directed Creed and both Black Panther films. But after the amount of praise surrounding this film, I couldn’t help but hold my breath, hoping it wouldn’t let me down. Thankfully, I didn’t need to worry.
Sinners is a genre-blending, blood-soaked Southern Gothic horror film, in which Michael B. Jordan delivers an extraordinary dual performance as brothers Smoke and Stack, returning to Mississippi to open a juke joint. Jordan seamlessly switches between charming and stoic whilst demonstrating an unshakeable bond between two brothers.
Performing alongside Jordan is British actor Jack O’Connell, who is terrific as Remmick and manages to be an utterly menacing and magnetic screen presence. It’s a brilliant ensemble cast that also includes Miles Caton as gifted guitarist Sammie, Delroy Lindo as blues veteran Delta Slim, and an alluring Hailee Steinfeld as Mary.
Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw uses large-format KODAK film to brilliantly capture the sweltering day and sultry summer night on screen. Meanwhile, both production designer Hannah Beachler and costume designer Ruth E. Carter did a phenomenal job delivering a solid period drama set in Southern Mississippi in 1932.
The film has its flaws. There are a couple of scenes, one in particular, that presents a big spectacle on screen and takes me out of the story. Its contemporary flashes felt jarring, and I much preferred when the film had its blood-soaked boots firmly on the ground.
But with a brilliant blues soundtrack, and a standout performance from Michael B. Jordan, I can see why this bloody spectacle is one of the best films of the year, and one that will reward audiences with repeat viewings.
References:
https://www.kodak.com/en/motion/blog-post/sinners/