A Unique Vision from a Renowned Director

Director Ryan Coogler is venturing into unexpected territory with his latest film, "Sinners"—a mesmerizing vampire story set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. But don’t be misled by its genre; this film dives deep into themes of race, identity, and personal history, echoing the powerful narratives seen in Coogler's previous works like "Fruitvale Station," "Creed," and the groundbreaking "Black Panther" series.

A Heartfelt Tribute

At the heart of "Sinners" is a poignant homage to Coogler's Uncle James, the oldest male in his Mississippi family. "He meant so much to me," Coogler reminisced. "He passed right after I finished post-production on 'Creed', and he was always playing blues records. That music was his soul."

A Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Characters

In this captivating tale, Coogler's longtime collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, portrays the dynamic twin brothers Smoke and Stack. These characters escape the struggles of the Mississippi Delta to fight in World War I, only to return with newfound wealth and ambitions of opening a juke joint—rumored to have ties to none other than infamous gangster Al Capone. Their cousin Sammie, played by musician Miles Caton in his acting debut, brings the local blues scene to life, despite warnings from his preacher father.

Romance Amidst Tensions

As the twins prepare for their grand opening night, they introduce a lineup that includes blues musician Slim, played by Delroy Lindo, and two love interests: Annie, a mystical root woman portrayed by Wunmi Mosaku, and Mary, played by Hailee Steinfeld, whose presumed racial heritage complicates their lives further. Notably, in an enthralling twist, white vampires are explicitly excluded from this celebration.

Blues: The Heartbeat of the Film

Central to the atmosphere of "Sinners" is the soulful essence of blues music. Coogler explained, "I sought to understand my uncle's passion for blues. Researching it revealed to me the profound impact this art form has had, arguably being our country’s greatest cultural contribution."

A Powerful Collaboration

Teaming up once again with composer Ludwig Göransson, a film school mate from USC, Coogler brings an added depth to the soundtrack. Göransson’s father, a dedicated blues fan, sparked his interest in the genre, creating a powerful emotional connection when they visited Mississippi's Dockery Plantation together. Coogler described this moment, saying, "Here’s a 70-year-old man from Sweden standing in front of a blues legend’s roots, tears in his eyes—and I can’t help but share that emotion for different reasons."

A Cinematic Journey into History and Culture

Motivated by this deeply emotional trip, Coogler is determined to craft "Sinners" as an epic portrayal of the resilience and brilliance of Delta Blues musicians. He aims to shine a light on how their culture not only survived but thrived, influencing cities and defying all the myriad misconceptions about their legacies. Get ready for a film that promises not just chills, but also revelation and recognition of an oft-overlooked slice of American history.