Sinners (2025)
Following a dark past, Twin brothers Smoke and Stack restart life in their hometown, only to discover a great evil is readily waiting for them.
Rating: R
Runtime: 2 hour 17 minutes
Language: English
Director: Ryan Coogler
Writers: Ryan Coogler
Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Saul Williams
In the challenging times of 1930s Mississippi, twin brothers set out to restart their lives in their hometown. They open a bar and dance hall, while enlisting their musically talented cousin as part of the show. As they find a way to escape their dark past, an even darker future lies ahead for them and their guests.
The Story
Returning to their hometown with hot cash, twin brothers “Smoke” and “Stack” purchase land from an uncouth landowner. Now with a place to begin proper business, they pair begin stocking their juke and hiring musicians, fostering interest in their grand opening along the way.
Despite a dark past, no one can turn down a good time amongst hard times. Smoke and Stack quickly generate interest and make it their goal to bring good times for the people of their hometown. With so much suffering, the men are praised for their ambitious goals and set out to party.
With their party underway, unexpected guests suddenly arrive at their door. Friendly and talented, these visitors show kindness, concealing their sinister plans. Despite their willingness to pay at the door, their entrance is declined. But these visitors are patient and don’t take no for answer. As they set about to achieve what their desires.
As soon as disaster strikes, things devolve into chaos. Every effort is quickly made to secure the juke, and prepare for battle. Against the odds, they make a plan and execute. But with the horde at their door, do they really stand a chance?
And in a place full of sin, is any man or woman truly good? Let alone, worth saving from the evil around them?
Possession by Music
As a period piece, Sinners heavily emphasizes the music of the times. Where each person had very little, you were lucky to have food, clothes, and a roof over your head. Music was the sweet release from a hard day, and drinks made things only sweeter.
As people gathered, music is manifested. And when that music touches deep into our souls, we find more than the rhythm inside. A place where souls on the other side of the evil can hear, and perhaps crossover. A veil without time, nor place.
In Sinners, music is more than just a backdrop, it’s a character. Shifting from one song to the next, we join in the world of the characters and feel their lives through song. Providing us with a fictional, unique, and fascinating look into the era. As the side of good have their songs, evil has its own tune.
The Temptation of Sweet Music
Evil has its own commune, and to overcome it we must remain steadfast. One break from our union, and all will crumble under the weight of evil. In Sinners, we see that union, hear it, and feel it.
When music is good it moves the soul. Unfortunately, in this case it touches something more and awakens an evil unto us. Like a moth to a flame, evil has set out to find their light inside the juke. Where the music can open doors our eyes never see.
In the world of Sinners, evil comes in many forms. The truth is evil looks like any man on the street. The purest forms of evil deceive us and understand our weaknesses. One way or another, they will find a way to get what they want. The only way to prevent that comes through strength, faith, and community.
Evil Enslaves, Only Goodness Sets Us Free
At the core of Sinners is the notion that evil only enslaves us. By bringing out the sincere goodness and kindness within, we are then set free. When shared, that goodness brings freedom to all of us. And in those brief moments together, we are as one. All problems set aside, just life in the moment.
What I didn’t expect was the strong dramatic tapestry that truly holds together the darkness of the story. For every pain in life, there is love and delight to be found. As we struggle through life, it is up to us to determine our fate. Through those decisions, we make and end our lives. What we find after life is decided by your actions.
Would you choose love and life?
