Sinners Receives Rave Reviews, Achieves Historic Opening Weekend

Los Angeles, CA – In the spring of 2024, filmmaker Ryan Coogler and his castmates hoped audiences would embrace their film Sinners as enthusiastically as they did while filming. Fast forward to today, Sinners is making waves in the film industry as Coogler’s second cultural phenomenon, garnering the strongest reviews of the decade from critics and audiences alike. The horror-thriller, which tells the story of two twin brothers in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, broke records as it earned $48 million during its opening weekend, the largest for an original film in the 2020s.

The movie follows Smoke and Stack, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, and their quest for freedom amidst tragedies that impact their community. The story unfolds in a rich tapestry of emotion, ambition, and supernatural themes, including Hoodoo and vampirism. Nigerian-born actress, Wunmi Mosaku, plays Annie, a significant character whose past with Smoke influences her role in the story.

Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta, the narrative brings to life the struggles and dreams of its characters, particularly Smoke and Stack, who return home after years away. Their return is complicated by a troubled past, including the loss of their daughter.

“It feels like a real reflection of how powerful, magical, and hopeful everything felt from the moment I read the first scenes,” Mosaku said. Her character, Annie, serves as a protector and teacher to Smoke, showcasing a deep bond that is ever-present in their reunion scenes. Coogler’s inclusion of musical elements, particularly a surreal musical sequence performed by Sammie, played by Miles Caton, adds an innovative touch to the film.

The film also explores themes of cultural identity and spiritual beliefs through Annie’s character. Mosaku conducted extensive research into Hoodoo practices to portray Annie accurately, ensuring respect and reverence for the traditions depicted on screen. “It’s paramount to represent Hoodoo positively,” Mosaku emphasized, noting the importance of accurate cultural representation in film.

The success of Sinners is not just a win for its cast and crew. Coogler expressed his heartfelt gratitude to audiences in a letter stating, “Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it.” He recognized the role of the audience in the film’s journey and the collective experience of cinema, highlighting that this film was crafted both for and about the audience.

As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, Sinners stands out not only for its impressive box office numbers but also for its cultural significance, making it a remarkable entry in the cinematic repertoire of the 2020s.