The film “Sinners” impressively blends horror, the real history of the region and mythical stories, resulting in a fascinating TV series. Ryan Coogler directs the film which examines trauma, redemption and how racial and cultural scars are passed down, all viewed through the lens of a Southern noir and with hints of Lynchian style. Taking place in Mississippi in 1932, the story shows a world filled with racial troubles, spiritual power and the influence of local tales which makes the film stand out more emotionally and thematically.
Smoke and Stack are twin brothers, ex-military who became gangsters afterwards, trying to restart their lives by starting a juke joint for the Black community. Their history includes hardships and pain and having vampires represent racism and evil are ways of expressing the hardships their community has gone through. All of the characters are interesting and strong, bringing out their own types of strength, guilt and hope. The inclusion of supernatural allegories in the film mean that the dread we feel is both realistic and made more powerful by using mythic stories.
You can tell from the way it’s filmed – the glowing outdoor scenes and dark, tense indoor spaces create a mood of worry. The dramatic music which mixes blues, gospel and melodies, connects the audience emotionally and the inclusion of supernatural elements highlights important issues of ancestral struggles and freedom. Coogler explores issues of racism and the past by using horror and the result leaves a strong impression as a vivid reflection on scars and possible recovery.
