Reading Time: 2 min read

I cannot watch scary movies to save my life. I am the biggest coward and will purposely close my eyes during scary previews/commercials because a jump scare is coming. It takes a striking premise and talented director to pull me from my comfort zone. Coincidentally, Ryan Coogler is that familiar talent that shows his craft in 2025’s Sinners.

Taking an introspective look at my blog, I’ve noticed that I come off as a critic of Ryan Coogler’s films. From Creed III to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the contrarian stance I might take seems like hating which is never my goal. I watch movies to experience a vibrant sense of emotion that the film wants to portray. Scary movies are rarely on that list, but I toughed it out with Sinners because I was curious to see an original film. A rarity that involves no adaptation from a book, play, or tv show. Just a story about vampires in the deep South that deliver on many levels. Mixed with Mr. Coogler’s afro-centric cinema works; the concept landed nicely.

My primary enjoyment of Sinners comes from unanswered questions or queues I potentially might have missed. While the first watch had funny and shocking moments, there were phrases and mannerisms that I felt like I missed out on. Things the type of work the twins did in Chicago or how Jack O’Connell’s Remmick wanted Sammy’s music. Was it an allegory for the current music industry taking black talent for their benefit? Was it a surface level story of humans trying to survive a deadly encounter with vampires? These are not gripes but rather thought-provoking questions that interest me in a second watch.

Additionally, a second viewing wouldn’t be so bad as the shots and dialogue are top notch. Michael B. Jordan had me fooled as the twins Smoke and Stack for at least 70% of the movie. Kudos to a man who can look the same yet act like completely different characters. The supporting cast was great and seeing the blues scene at the midpoint of the movie is worth a second trip alone. In a loose description, it was like experiencing high art at a museum all from the comfort of my movie seat. We were all connected through the music through the silver screen.

Overall, Sinners being one of the two original movies of 2025 to give me a unique experience is refreshing. Novocaine, the other original movie, was an interesting concept but stumbled on the landing a bit. Sinners is by no means perfect considering how the last showdown unravels the story. It does not overshadow the fun of Ryan Coogler’s latest work. Whether it is in the theater or at home for streaming, Sinners is a second watch for me.