Sinners, 2025 - ★★★★
Friday, April 18, 2025
From watching the trailer of Sinners, I anticipated an exploration of the horror of America’s racial history, shedding light on the rich and complex past of Black people. What took me by surprise was how the film not only centered on that theme but also gracefully paid homage to blues music—an aspect I particularly loved. It captured the spirit of the blues exceptionally well, making it one of the remarkable sound and music experiences I've ever had in a cinema.
While I understand the reasoning behind blending horror elements into the narrative, I wish the film had focused more on a grounded approach rather than going overboard with them. Up until its final act, the movie was truly divine, with its music touching my heart on a spiritual level. It stirred in me a desire to explore further into the culture, history, and spiritual connections surrounding blues music and the freedom of the soul—subjects that didn’t necessarily require the addition of supernatural folklore. Although I grasp the metaphorical intent related to racism and social oppression, it didn’t resonate with me as profoundly as I had expected. The horror elements felt too bizarre, over-the-top, and out of place for my taste.
One aspect that left me puzzled the most was the fleeting introduction of Native American characters. It was baffling to include them for merely a minute, only to disregard them entirely. This narrative choice felt unnecessary and confusing.
Overall, the sound and music alone were enough to make me love this film. If you’re a music lover, particularly a blues lover, you could simply close your eyes and still find it well worth your time and money. The visuals and story, however, undeniably elevated the experience to a whole new level. Though I may not have agreed with some of the film’s structural and narrative decisions, I deeply appreciated its exceptional filmmaking craftsmanship. And I can confidently say that the film's soundtrack will be on my playlist for the next few weeks.