We’re moving closer to the mid-point of the year, and new releases are starting to pick. That makes it a perfect time for the latest film from writer/director Ryan Coogler. Sinners is a throwback to the past that tells an engaging and fiery original story filled with great songs and great performances.

We drop to October 1932 in Mississippi. We quickly meet Sammie (Miles Caton), who has clearly had a rough night. He stumbles into his father’s church shaken and battered. His father asks him to drop the piece of a guitar he’s clutching and turn his life over to God.

Flash back 24 hours, and Sammie is quickly finishing his work in the cotton fields. He quickly gathers his guitar, and despite the warnings of his father, he sets out to have a day of freedom. He is quickly picked up by his cousins—Twins Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan)—who are back after a time working for Al Capone in Chicago. Now, they plan to use the money and liquor they’ve acquired to open their own juke joint.

With just a few hours to go before the planned opening in an old sawmill, the twins split up. Stack and Sammie head out to collect some entertainment. They make a pitch to Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), who agrees to come play. While recruiting, Stack also runs across his old flame Mary (Hailee Steinfeld), who is still bitter about being left behind.

Smoke, meanwhile, heads downtown for provisions. He connects with old friends, Bo (Yao) and Grace (Li Jun Li), who own a set of stores in town. They agree to bring the food and the signs to the party and help get the joint rolling. His last stop is to his former flame, Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), with whom he shares a sad history. He recruits her to help at the Juke Joint, as the flame of their passion rekindles.

Smoke, Stack and their crew get things ready and open. The party is going strong but soon an unexpected guest arrives. Remmick (Jack O’Connell) appears to be a simple musician, but he’s harboring a dark secret. At first, he and his friends are turned away, but they refuse to leave and soon the danger is real.

If you’ve seen the trailer for Sinners, you know what the twist is here. The film is a vampire film, and while it starts as an interesting period piece that has some great characters and music, the second half is action-packed. This is a bloody thrill ride that takes you on a journey and doesn’t let go.

I loved the production and the arc of the story here. Coogler both wrote the screenplay and serves as the director. He clearly has a vision for the film and delivers that artfully. I really enjoyed the twists, but I enjoyed the first half as we build these characters, these histories, and the world around us.

The film features some great performances. Jordan fills a dual role, and he does a great job creating two, distinct characters. It’s a great lead performance that comes alive on screen. But it’s not just Jordan. Caton is a great find, providing some good supporting work and some incredible musical moments. Meanwhile, Mosaku and Steinfeld are great in their roles as the women in the lives of Smoke and Stack. Each has an interesting relationship and some great moments that help build up the story.

Lastly, what really sends this over-the-top is the great production and the fantastic music. The score from Ludwig Goransson is incredible, and the original songs will stick with you after you leave the theater. This is a riveting film that delivers some of the best work on screen I’ve seen so far in 2025. It’s well worth checking out.

Sinners is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.