Sinners in cinemas
Director and Writer: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Miles Caton
Genre: Southern Gothic, Horror, Musical Drama
Running Time: 1H37 minutes
Age Restriction: R (Restricted – for violent content, disturbing images, language, and some sexual material)
Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, is a daring and deeply personal cinematic experience. Set in 1932 Mississippi, it follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, as they return home to open a juke joint.
Their venture becomes a battleground when supernatural forces, including an Irish vampire and his undead band, threaten their community. Blending Southern Gothic horror, musical elements, and racial allegory, the film delves into themes of grief, identity, and cultural legacy.
With a stellar cast and a haunting score by Ludwig Göransson, Sinners stands out as a visually and emotionally rich blockbuster that challenges genre norms and offers a unique theatrical film.
What is Sinners about?
Sinners tells the story of Smoke and Stack, twin brothers and World War I veterans, who return to the Mississippi Delta after years in Chicago. They use stolen money to buy a sawmill from a racist landowner, aiming to transform it into a juke joint for the local Black community. Their cousin Sammie, an aspiring guitarist, joins them despite his pastor father’s disapproval of blues music.
As they prepare for the opening, an Irish vampire and his undead band, drawn by Sammie’s supernatural music, threaten their plans.
Ryan Coogler on this epic new horror production
The film, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, was developed through his production company, Proximity Media, with Michael B. Jordan cast in the lead role. Warner Bros. Pictures acquired distribution rights after a bidding war, and principal photography took place from April to July 2024.
Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles as Smoke and Stack, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. The cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Director Ryan Coogler, known for Creed and Black Panther, brings a personal touch to Sinners. In an interview, Coogler stated, “Each time I’ve made a film, it’s become more and more personal… but never like with this one.” His collaboration with Jordan marks their fifth project together, highlighting a strong creative partnership.
The film was captured with IMAX cameras for a peak widescreen cinema experience
Sinners was shot using IMAX 15-perf 70mm and Ultra Panavision 70mm cameras, resulting in alternating aspect ratios of 1.43:1 and 2.76:1. This combination offers a visually immersive experience, enhancing the film’s dramatic and musical elements.
Director Ryan Coogler sought advice from Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas on large-format photography, aiming to create a cinematic experience that pays homage to the theatrical tradition. Audiences in Johannesburg can experience Sinners in its full IMAX glory at Ster-Kinekor IMAX cinemas, where the film’s rich visuals and sound design are showcased to their fullest potential.
Where to see Sinners in Joburg and Pretoria
Catch Sinners now playing at Ster-Kinekor IMAX locations nationally – Eastgate, Mall of Africa and Cradlestone in Johannesburg; The Grove in Tshwane; Gateway in Durban; Baywest in Gqeberha; and at V&A Waterfront, Blue Route and Capegate in Cape Town.
