Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, is predominantly about two twins, Stack and Smoke, who return back to their Mississippi hometown in 1932 from Chicago to open up a juke joint, only to find out that a greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Sinners is an important and great film that explores racism, racial heritage, and communities through the thread of music. And somehow it’s also a vampire movie.

The film’s narrative begins when Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, arrive back in Mississippi after living in Chicago with a new mindset and the need to start over. Cousin Sammie (Miles Canton), who is really good with playing the guitar, decides to join their juke joint business and share his talents with others who come to the club. They also get several other old friends to help with the grand opening of the juke joint where they have a night of dancing, singing and mingling with one another.

Sinners explores its themes in different types of ways, including supernatural horror, historical references, and the depiction of systematic oppression. The film uses vampires as metaphors for white supremacy and its effects on Black communities, highlighting the dangers of assimilation and cultural appropriation. The film is a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for Black freedom and self-determination. The vampire fight scene at the juke joint is easily one of the most memorable scenes in Sinners. The scene begins with music playing low in the background then randomly explodes into a chaotic scene, fire spreading throughout the building. The jukebox continues to play through the violence as the characters fight for their lives. The blend between action and horror makes the scene a highlight of the film.

An additional scene that was very meaningful is Sammie playing his blues music. There was foreshadowing in this scene as they showed multiple people dressed in clothes that matched the genres they were intending to represent, displaying the roots of black music to modern forms. This scene starts off with the blues playing, then evolves into electric blues, and incorporates elements of hip-hop along with rap vocals, modern trap and even G-Funk. African tribal drumming is also included along with Jimi Hendrix-style rock guitars.

Jordan’s performance helps capture the convolution of the two brothers trying to steer a world full of trouble and supernatural beings. This movie is definitely a must-see as it explores vampire horror through the lens of Black American history and culture.