Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”) has directed his first non-IP film in well over a decade. “Sinners,” a 1930s-set Vampire movie, has Coogler’s frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, tagging along for the ride. The film screened last night for the quote whores, and reactions have so far been very positive — see below.
It’s worth noting that Coogler — working on a budget of $90M — shot “Sinners on 65mm film. 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.
“Sinners” also has the luxury of having Spike Lee as a major fan. Speaking on Instagram, Lee offered his review of “Sinners,” explaining that Coogler invited him to watch the film in IMAX. "I Just Had The Greatest Experience Of Watching A Film In Years,” Lee wrote. He went on to praise the performances, direction, music and cinematography.
“Sinners” tackles twin cousins, 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.
Coogler is coming off having directed two ‘Black Panther’ movies; his other credits are “Creed,” and “Fruitvale Station.” There’s no denying he’s talented, but his “Sinners” is a risk given the budget, and Coogler’s aspirations to turn it into a franchise. Warner Bros is producing, and they’re hoping “Sinners” turns into a hit — internal projections having an opening weekend anywhere between $30M-$40M.
“Sinners” hits theaters on April 18, 2025.
