Review of Sinners: A Musical Meets Vampires — Bold Fusion or Bloody Mess?
Fresh off my “hiatus” back in China, I landed and immediately caught Sinners, arguably the hottest title in global cinema right now.
Set in the American South during the 1930s, the film follows a pair of twins—both played by Michael B. Jordan—who return from Chicago to their rural hometown, hoping to open a bar where the local Black community can rest and unwind. But as the forces of racial segregation and the KKK rise, the town quickly becomes a powder keg of danger and resistance.
Vampires are hardly new to cinema, but director Ryan Coogler brings an unexpected twist. Here, vampires aren’t European aristocrats hiding in castles—they’re metaphors for the real-world machinery that exploits the life force and creative power of people of color. It’s a bold and clever reimagining.
One of the biggest surprises for me was the presence of a strong Asian female character—specifically the Chinese bar owner played by Li Lijun. She stands up for her husband during a heated conversation with the protagonists, challenges toxic masculinity by confronting the main character (“Didn’t you say you were a soldier? Then why are you hesitating now?”), and ultimately sacrifices herself for her family. This isn’t incidental—Coogler clearly places Asian characters within a shared “community of fate” alongside Black characters, both historically oppressed by white supremacy.
And then there’s the final scene—the so-called “easter egg” moment—when the elderly guitarist appears, grounding the story in a heavier emotional and historical truth. It’s as if Coogler is saying: this isn’t just fantasy—it’s rooted in something real, something lived.
Some have called this film “overly ambitious,” others think it’s overloaded with symbolism. But for me, Sinners is one of those films that lingers long after the credits roll. On the surface, it’s a vampire horror musical. Deep down, it’s a love letter to all people of color who’ve bled, resisted, and survived on the margins of history.
Even if only a fraction of the audience truly gets what the film is trying to say—that would already be enough.
If you’re the kind of viewer who appreciates genre cinema with something deeper to say, don’t miss Sinners. I genuinely believe everyone can find something here that resonates.
🎥 #Sinners
❤️ Recommended Rating: 8.5/10
Originally published on May 12, 2025