By Rory Zeman and Megan Hastings

Media Production Editor and Public Relations Manager

The newest horror movie to hit the big screens, Sinners, has already set records at the box office following its Apr. 17 release date. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, is projected to reach between 330 and 350 million dollars before it leaves theaters. The last movie to hit such a high mark was John Krasinski’s global sensation, A Quiet Place, which garnered 440 million dollars (adjusted for inflation) in 2018. 

The movie follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown in Mississippi to open a Juke Joint, a music bar, after profiting heavily from Prohibition-era crime in Chicago. However, on opening night, their musically-inclined cousin Sammie, played by Miles Caton in his acting debut, summons a vampire with his music that terrorizes the club and bites anyone who leaves, turning them into a vampire. 

The film’s soundtrack features intense yet emotional music that seemed to echo from the club into the theater, blending southern-style country music with African and even techno elements. One scene even involved the combination of a variety of music styles from across history to encapsulate the film’s theme surrounding the timeless nature of music. The soundtrack helped mimic the enchanting effect of the music that lured both the vampires to the Juke Joint and the people outside with the vampires.

             Another notable achievement is the cinematography. Throughout the movie, the editor expertly positions both twins in the same frame, frequently allowing them to communicate by passing objects and looking at each other to create a smooth illusion. The adjacent Mississippi swamp is illuminated by lighting that spills from the Juke Joint, creating distorted shadows and red and purple streaks on the surrounding terrain. The eerie cadence of the story is heightened by the unusual beauty captured in each frame. The flashing lights reflect the club’s pandemonium and its patrons’ deteriorating sanity. Because of bloodlines, remorse, and hidden truths, legacy looms large over the characters like a dense fog. Sammie is a potent counterpoint because of her innocence and optimism, which represent the capacity of the younger generation to awaken forces they are not entirely aware of.

            Ultimately, Sinners is a cultural phenomenon that combines horror with profound symbolism, historical background, and memorable performances, making it more than just a box office success. It’s realistic to assume that Sinners will continue to haunt viewers for years to come, especially with whispers of a sequel already in the early stages of discussion and accolades circling Jordan and Caton.