Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Review

The best movies sometimes are the ones that sneak up on you. I didn’t know anything about Sinners beyond the trailer (and I highly recommend going in that way) and the way it took hold from the opening moments and got under my skin throughout is nothing short of phenomenal. The movie is about so much: generational trauma. Returning to one’s roots. Black excellence. And most predominantly – southern blues.

Michael B. Jordan plays twins Smoke and Stack who return to their hometown in Mississippi to open up a music club in the 1930s. And that’s really all the setup you need. I’m not even particularly a fan of the blues, but I became one after this movie. Writer-director Ryan Coogler returns to his auteur roots (Fruitvale Station) after sidestepping into blockbuster territory with the first Creed movie and two Black Panthers (all of which featured Jordan). Clearly the duo have a great dynamic and short hand.

Jordan does a great job playing the identical twins that it’s never a question as to which one he is, and he’s always been a charismatic movie star that commands the screen. Miles Caton in his first on-screen credit instantly follows in his footsteps and will likely breakout because of this role. Supporting turns from Hailee Steinfeld, Omar Benson Miller, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku and (especially) Delroy Lindo each make a strong impression. The movie goes into some wild directions, but everything just works, even when it feels like it shouldn’t, including a post-credits scene that is crucial for understanding the movie. Easily one of my favorites of the year.

Jonathan’s grade – A