Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Opens Friday, Blends Blues and Vampires

Ryan Coogler’s new film "Sinners" is his first wholly original story, combining supernatural horror, gangster drama, blues music, and action within 1932 Jim Crow-era Mississippi. Starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, the movie follows their effort to open a juke joint while confronting a vampire threat, symbolizing the insidiousness of racism and cultural repression. Coogler drew creative inspiration from a range of sources: the narrative structure and intensity of Metallica’s music, the visual and thematic influence of the animated villain Death from 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,' and his own family’s ties to Mississippi and blues music. Critics have praised "Sinners" for its ambitious storytelling and rich visual and musical tapestry, noting it as a deeply personal project for Coogler that explores how marginalized communities use creativity and unity to persevere through adversity. The film’s blend of horror and historical context has been lauded for both its entertainment value and its thought-provoking social commentary. Early reviews highlight its originality and its success as a passion project for one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors.