Writer and Director Ryan Coogler first made waves in the movie business with the release of his cult classic, “Fruitvale Station,” in 2013. His latest release, “Sinners,” is a captivating, genre-bending thriller that audiences will no doubt laude in the current cinema landscape of established franchise remakes and adaptations. 

“Sinners” was an original Coogler production from pen to screen, with a unique deal that allows him to retain ownership of the film from the studio after 25 years. 

A groundbreaking deal for a groundbreaking film that lives up to every possible bit of hype. 

Set in Jim Crow era Mississippi, the film follows an ensemble of characters in Clarksdale who revolve around twins Smoke and Stack, both portrayed by Coogler’s favorite actor Michael B. Jordan. 

The twins return home after years away, with money to spend and problems that did not just vanish when they left. 

The twins purchase an old saw-mill and intend to turn it into a juke joint. Their own place for their own people to enjoy. 

The entire film takes place over the course of a single day, from one morning to the next, the grand opening of the juke joint being the event that all stories revolve around. 

The film feels like it exists within its own genre entirely – not fitting into any one box. The film weaves through difficult conversations of oppression, colonization, racism and religion while also being grounded through the interpersonal dynamics and relationships of the characters involved. 

This film is about so much. Music, love, desire, spirituality, hatred, destiny. It is truly a singular experience that is unlike any film I have ever seen before. 

“Sinners” also does horror the right way, by first establishing the characters who will be put into danger and therefore creating emotional investment from the audience and real stakes, which is a too infrequent occurrence for the genre. 

I almost don’t wish to reveal anything more about the plot to make sure you can go into it blind and experience it first-hand. Any description would not do the film justice anyway, as it is truly a sensational work of art that I believe will one day be seen as the start of Coogler’s rise to the top of Hollywood.

For me, Coogler has entered that small club of “season ticket holder directors.” That elite group of filmmakers who, no matter what it is they make, I will buy a ticket to see it.

Auteur’s like David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Quentin Tarantino and now Coogler. Creatives that often produce wholly original works that are uniquely their own. They hold distinctive styles and techniques which separate their films from the rest of the pack. 

Coogler has the midas touch, where every thing he touches turns to gold. 

With the box office success to match the artistic vision, Coogler is a rare creator who can work within the confines of billion dollar franchises like “Rocky” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe  but also helm the production of original stories like “Sinners.” 

This film is truly spectacular. A rare gem that only comes around every so often and sticks with you long after you leave the theater. 

One of those films that invites discussion with other viewers and requires multiple viewings to truly understand. 

Get used to the name Ryan Coogler, as you will likely be hearing it at award shows and “Best Of”  lists for a long, long time. 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment