Exploring Sinners: Music, Drama, and Oscar-Worthy Performances

Sinners – 2025

Written an Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li

There is something special that occurs when one catches a writer, director or actor at the peak of their powers. In the case of Sinners, we are seeing Coogler and his longtime collaborator at their mutual peak. The story starts with Elijah and Elias Moore. Jordan plays the twins, known as Smoke and Stack, respectively. They come back to the Mississippi Delta after WWI. They spent years working for Al Capone in Chicago. They have money and they have years of accrued wisdom and sense on how to use it.

They buy a local sawmill with the intent to make a juke joint utilizing resources acquired illicitly from Chicago. Along the way, they rope in cousin Sammie Moore (Caton), a skilled blues guitar player. They also involve Delta Slim (the magnificent Delroy Lindo), who helps bring the music to life. And they bring something else, unwittingly.

This film consists of two distinct parts. This structure is similar to its predecessor From Dusk Till Dawn from the 90’s. There is the first half where the recruiting of friends and building of the environment takes place. The second half begins when someone desperate to avoid being tracked (O’Connell) happens upon the door of two klan members.

What happens the rest of the film I think is best to leave to the uninitiated. Suffice to say it feels original, even when parts are clearly borrowed, like all of the best movies.

The performances are stellar through and through. Jordan plays well off himself as a pair of brothers. These brothers are borderline and not afraid to do what it takes to achieve their goals. As Sammie, Caton offers a nuanced perspective. He portrays the boy who grew into a talented musician. This transformation happened while the cousins were out in the world.

O’Connell is magnificent as a Celtic demon. He wants to look beyond the divided by race south. He aims to bring unity to the world. The music in this part of the film establishes some rules while breaking time and space, literally. The soundtrack is magnificent and it adds an incredible dimension to the film.

This is the best film of the year so far. If Lindo is not nominated for an Oscar, it’s only because the Academy has lost its way. There should be a ton of nominations for this masterpiece. On the other hand, that would require the Academy reward a film for it’s true merit. Not holding my breath and waiting for sunrise on that.

(***** out of *****)