There is a reason why I compared Ryan Coogler’s career trajectory to that of Christopher Nolan. Both filmmakers have had similar journeys, bursting onto the independent filmmaking scene with a remarkable character-driven drama (“Fruitvale Station” and “Memento,” respectively), entering the big studio system to refine their craft and build confidence (“Creed” and “Insomnia”), and to be granted the opportunity at bigger-budget tentpole superhero films (“Black Panther” and “Batman Begins”). Before Nolan completed his “Dark Knight” trilogy, he helmed “Inception,” an original idea that helped turn him into a household name beyond Batman. On a grand scale, we have not seen a filmmaker on a comparable scale on that same path for nearly 15 years. Now, Coogler finally carries on that torch with “Sinners.”
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At this point, film fans all over the world continue to gush about Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” (you can read /Film’s glowing review here). This film feels like the kind of project that Coogler has been building towards for over a decade, using his clout to bring audiences a bold, thematically rich, and supremely entertaining genre blockbuster. What is most noteworthy is that “Sinners” is Coogler’s first film that is wholly original, not based on a true story, an existing film franchise, or a comic book, and he knocks it out of the park, and then some.
Michael B. Jordan gives the performance of his career as the Smokestack twins, distinguishing them both and providing so much history and depth, paired with Jordan’s electric screen presence and charisma. In regard to the supporting players, all of them are excellent. Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, and Delroy Lindo are all memorable here. However, the film’s standout is Miles Caton, who makes his cinematic debut in what may be the breakout performance of the decade.
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With incredible performances, impeccable use of music through Ludwig Göransson’s original score and original blues songs, stunning cinematography that is beautifully captured through IMAX celluloid, and a fresh blend of the western and horror genres, “Sinners” is Ryan Coogler’s magnum opus. In an already-impressive career, his latest film stands out as his greatest achievement thus far. I look forward to what Coogler has in store for us in what is shaping up to be a landmark filmography.
