Sinners

Between the “Chicken Jockey” meme dominating the box office but falling short in terms of critical reception, Steven Soderbergh delivering us not one but two of the only memorable movies of the year, and the abundance of films that are serviceably forgettable, 2025 has been off to a very rough start. But after nearly four months, the 2025 slate has risen from the dead to offer the best cinematic experience of the year thus far.

From the director of Black Panther and Creed Ryan Coogler comes a new vision of fear: Sinners. In an attempt to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Ryan Coogler is one of my favorite working directors right now. The way Coogler consistently elevates blockbuster franchises while injecting them with his own distinct creative voice is something genuinely rare. Black Panther and Creed weren’t just great studio films; they were filled with the spectacle their respective franchises are known for while also bursting at the seams with Coogler’s unique flair, cementing themselves as some of my absolute favorite films from their respective years. And when you trace it all back to his directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, you can see the blueprint. Fruitvale Station is an emotionally charged, beautifully original piece of filmmaking that hits hard but never feels manufactured. It does a tremendous job at building character, tension, love and compassion in a tight runtime.

With his latest film, Sinners, we are seeing Coogler at the peak of his powers. It’s hands-down my favorite of his filmography. It blends the grand spectacle and pulse of his franchise work with the grounded emotion and originality that made Fruitvale Station so special. It’s the best of both worlds: high concept, yet deeply human.

Sinners is without a doubt the best film I’ve seen since Challengers, which was by far my favorite movie of 2024. Sinners is a feast for the senses. From the first frame, the luscious cinematography pulls you in and never lets go; it’s the kind of visual storytelling you can truly sink your teeth into. And when you pair that with a blood-pumping, soul-stirring score by Ludwig Göransson? You’re only left with magic. Just like Challengers, Sinners is a movie that derives its beating heart from its music. The narrative framework of Sinners heavily emphasizes the power of music with its effect on the culture and remixed sounds guiding you throughout this hell of a night. It has the same magnetism of his Oppenheimer score, except somehow improved by its presence in almost every minute, guiding your every emotion without deterring you from the film's themes. 

Yet its most impressive feat is how seamlessly this score complements Coogler’s bold, dynamic direction. Coogler recently gave an interview with DEADLINE where he opened up about feeling caged in during his franchise work. He did his best to add personal touches, but at the end of the day he was still making Creed for Sylvester Stallone or Black Panther for Marvel. Sinners was his first truly original piece of film in his career. This story tackles the feeling of being a part of a community and subsequently being manipulated and subjugated under others’ ideals while reimagining an age-old tale with stunning precision and flair.

The excellence of this reimagining is partially due to how much the cast delivers on all fronts. It is a stunning ensemble from top to bottom, though it is Coogler’s frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan. Jordan delivered his formerly best performance to date as the lead in Fruitvale Station, a star-making turn as Adonis Creed, and a gripping performance as one of the MCU’s best villains in Coogler’s two Black Panther films. But in Sinners, Michael B. Jordan is on another level and gives by far the best performance of his career. Already one of the most charismatic actors working today, Jordan brings a magnetic energy to twins Smoke & Stack. The dual roles allow him to showcase his humor and physical comedy simultaneously with the classic leading man qualities that made him famous. Even if a horror-action film does not interest you, Jordan’s performance alone is worth the price of admission. Then there’s Delroy Lindo, with comedic timing so on-point that he creates some of the film's best laugh out loud moments that had my crowd hooting and hollering. And let’s not forget newcomer Miles Caton, who is a clear star in the making. This man can act, sing, and command your attention every time he’s on screen. His on-screen debut is one hell of a breakout performance, and I know that I will watch his career closely from here on out.

Without diving into spoiler territory, I will say this: Sinners offers a little bit of everything: horror, suspense, sharp social commentary, and jaw-dropping visual and sensory spectacle. There are multiple post-credit scenes, a full-on dance break, and a rhythm that never lets up. Highlights like the “Preacher Boy" one-take musical number, the electric chemistry across the ensemble, and the epic aspect ratio-shifting action set piece make this a can’t-miss cinematic event. The bar has officially been set high for the remainder of 2025. This was such a thrilling ride of a film, and I seriously cannot wait to catch it again. Get your tickets. You don’t want to miss this one.

9/10