Warner Bros. decided to invite me to a screening of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” on April 16, which is only two days before its release date. I can’t chime in on this one, but a handful of critics who have seen it are starting to weigh in on Coogler’s vampire flick.
The review embargo has lifted on “Sinners,” and the write-ups are very positive. The film currently sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic (based on fifteen reviews). Some strong notices coming in from IndieWire (B+), Variety, THR, USA Today (3.5/4), The Independent (4/5), Little White Lies, Vanity Fair, Screen, and Slash Film (9/10).
This is Coogler’s first non-IP film since his 2013 debut, “Fruitvale Station.” “Sinners,” a 1930s-set Vampire movie, has Coogler’s frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, tagging along for the ride. The story tackles twin brothers, Elijah and Elias (Jordan), who try to leave their troubled lives behind and head south, after spending years in Capone-inflicted Chicago. They return to their hometown, where slavery was recently abolished, but the KKK still looms large.
The $100M costing “Sinners,” which was shot in 65mm, is stacked with talent, on and off camera. Ludwig Göransson (“Oppenheimer”) composed the score. Autumn Durald Arkapaw (“Black Panther”) is the cinematographer. Jordan leads a cast that includes Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, and newcomer Miles Caton. Most importantly, it’s a chance for Coogler to showcase his talents, far away from the creative restriction of his ‘Black Panther’ Marvel movies.