Early Reactions to ‘Sinners’ Hail Ryan Coogler’s Latest Vampire Thriller

LOS ANGELES, California — Early reactions to Ryan Coogler‘s new supernatural thriller ‘Sinners‘ are overwhelmingly positive, with many critics and attendees praising it as a potential springtime hit. The film, which stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, follows twin brothers who return to their hometown only to confront a sinister force lurking in the shadows.

Set in the Jim Crow-era 1930s South, ‘Sinners’ features a notable supporting cast that includes Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, and Wunmi Mosaku. The movie is set for a theatrical release on April 18, 2025, and has already garnered attention following its premiere in New York and several advance screenings.

BJ Colangelo of Slashfilm described Coogler’s work as “scary, sexy, and with social commentary that bites.” She praised the film’s ability to override expectations, asserting that it surpasses its anticipated excitement. Critic Jim Hemphill remarked on a 70mm screening of ‘Sinners’ at the Vista Theater in Los Angeles, calling the experience “incredibly exciting” and labeling the film as one of his favorite studio releases in the past decade.

TikTok influencer Alex Coleman declared, “Sinners is a fucking banger. Coogler you genius,” while film critic Aaron Neuwirth stated that he “had a blast” watching the movie. He emphasized Coogler’s unique blend of style and cultural narrative, calling it the “best vampire film” he had seen in years. Neuwirth also encouraged audiences to watch it in IMAX for the full effect.

Nick L’Barrow of NickFlicksFix lauded the film for its tension and aesthetic quality, dubbing it “transcendent,” and highlighting the vital role of music in driving its narrative. Amassing praise, he noted Jordan’s compelling performances and mused about the movie’s potential impact on audiences, especially in relation to the cultural and magical connotations around music.

In related commentary, various critics expressed excitement about Coogler’s latest work. ScreenRant awarded the film the title of “best film of the year so far,” showcasing the reverence both Coogler and Jordan command within the industry. Fellow critic and social media user added that ‘Sinners’ represents a significant evolution in the vampire genre, blending a hypnotic musicality with captivating storytelling.

Produced by Coogler and his team at Proximity Media, ‘Sinners’ was developed under strict secrecy, with prospective studios having to approach the filmmakers directly for access to the script. Coogler is known for his past successes, including his work on the acclaimed ‘Fruitvale Station’ and ‘Black Panther’ films.

The film carries an R rating for strong bloody violence, sexual content, and language, setting a provocative tone ahead of its release. Jordan said about the project, “This film truly embodies a convergence of music, horror, and cultural reflection that represents the journey of its characters.”

As anticipation builds for the April 18 release, audiences are eager to experience what critics are calling a bold and masterful addition to the genre. With a narrative that promises emotional depth along with horror thrills, ‘Sinners’ aims to capture the attention and imagination of moviegoers nationwide.