The name Coogler has become a symbol of excellence. Just hearing his name suggests quality. Movies like “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther” played a key role in establishing this reputation. With the launch of his latest movie, “Sinners,” it seems he’s rapidly ascending to legendary status. Amid all the excitement, I felt compelled to watch the film to see if it matched the high standards everyone was talking about.
Sinners From the Root
“Sinners” is the evocative tale of two brothers, “Smoke” and “Stack” (Michael B. Jordan). They’ve journeyed across the globe, tasted the bitterness of pain, and survived the ravages of war, yet they still yearn for a true sense of liberation in a world that, despite its semblance of freedom, remains ensnared in invisible chains. Set in the Deep South, the story unfolds in the heart of the Mississippi Delta during the oppressive era of Jim Crow.
This was a time when the haunting legacy of slavery lingered heavily in the minds of African Americans. Though the physical shackles had been removed, their presence was still acutely felt, as if etched into the very fabric of the air they breathed. It was the era of the sharecropper, with endless rows of cotton stretching under the merciless glare of the midday sun and a constant struggle to carve out an identity beyond the shadows of a painful past.
The Blues: Heart and Soul
The blues weaves through this narrative like a lifeline, its soulful melodies echoing the collective heartbeat of the people. Born in the fertile soil of the Delta, the blues became more than just music; it was the very essence of the community’s spirit. The juke joint, a place of vibrant congregation, pulsed with life, offering a sanctuary for unbridled expression and a refuge where souls could momentarily escape their burdens. It stood as the church for those branded “sinners,” a defiant symbol of freedom and resistance against the other pillar of society, the steadfast tabernacle.
The Battle for the Soul of the Community: Good vs. Evil in Sinners
Aptly, this poignant tale draws two brothers back to the oppressive shadows of their home, the very place from which they once fled in search of freedom. Their return is not merely a homecoming; it is a mission to infuse a spark of liberation into the hearts of their people. They embark on this journey by seizing ill-gotten gains and, with those resources, constructing a vibrant juke joint—an establishment pulsing with life, where they hire what they believe to be the finest musicians, artists, and entertainers, all to create a gathering place for their community, built by their own hands. In this space, their own kin, who embody the very soul of a bluesman, tap into that ancient power that once unified those in the past and continues to weave bonds among the present.
Yet, where there is unity, there lurk the dark specters of envy, jealousy, and the destructive desires of want. These demons sense the power and magic emanating from the Juke Joint, yearning to control, possess, and contain its vibrant essence by any means necessary. They are the monsters of this film—vampires lurking in the shadows, intent on killing, stealing, and destroying for the sake of a twisted sense of inclusion.
Balancing Power and Flaws: An In-Depth Look at Coogler’s Sinners
This film delves deep into human experience. Coogler does not skim the surface; each of his works is drenched in intent and purpose, resonating with profound themes. His cast is meticulously selected, comprising skilled artisans who have honed their craft to perfection, bringing narratives to life with authenticity and depth. The setting is impeccably crafted, with a backdrop that captivates the eye and stirs the soul. The surreal Juke Joint scene, where worlds collide in a kaleidoscope of sound and color, is nothing short of brilliant. Despite the powerful messaging, intricate plot, and richly developed characters, the story is not without its serious flaws, which cast a shadow over its otherwise striking narrative.
Balancing Urgency and Plausibility
The pacing of this film is noticeably uneven, creating a disjointed rhythm that pulls the viewer out of the experience. There is an unmistakable urgency to convey a particular message, and this haste becomes apparent as the film races past its first quarter, charging headlong toward the conclusion. Some plot points stretch believability to the brink, even within its fantastical framework. While a certain suspension of disbelief is expected in fantasy, these moments of incredulity are pivotal to the story’s progression, which poses a significant issue. For instance, despite the characters being aware of a supernatural event unfolding, they inexplicably make allowances that defy logic and common sense, acting against what would naturally be the path of least resistance. This behavior exacerbates the film’s implausibility.
Additionally, there is a central character (Annie/Wunmi Monsaku) whose apparent omniscience distances her from the rest of the cast, yet this mysterious insight is neither explained nor thoroughly explored. It is merely hinted at, leaving viewers to piece together her awareness from scattered background elements introduced at various points. However, these hints are not clear-cut, prompting questions such as, where does her understanding of the unfolding events originate? These elements, while not entirely detrimental to the film, serve as stumbling blocks that disrupt the narrative’s flow and hinder full immersion. The viewer is left to grapple with these gaps, mentally piecing together the rationale behind them, asking themselves why such choices were made.
The Power of Coogler’s Storytelling:
Overall, “Sinners” is a robust and compelling work. It is a film that audiences should experience at least once. The lessons it imparts are profound, yet require an open mind to fully grasp their depth. Coogler, once again, demonstrates the unmatched power of his storytelling craft. The narrative had the potential to be even more impactful, potent, and groundbreaking by adopting a slower pace, providing clearer insights into specific character actions, and minimizing elements of what Roger Ebert famously termed the “Idiot Plot,” where the storyline relies on a significant number of characters making foolish decisions for it to progress as intended.
For those who have yet to watch “Sinners,” it is currently available for streaming on Video on Demand.
Uncut Diamonds 