Sinners
When I first came across this film, I had no idea what to expect.
The trailer made it seem like a vampire horror movie,
while the setting suggested a period drama about racial discrimination in 1930s America.
The focus on blues music hinted at a musical or a music-driven narrative.
But after watching the film, I realized it was all of these and more —
a genre-bending experience that refuses to be confined to a single label.
From its opening scene, the film firmly establishes itself as a horror movie.
It begins the day after a major event.
Sammy, the cousin of the Smokestack brothers, is being persuaded by his preacher father at church
to abandon music and return to faith.
Suddenly, a sharp cut reveals a vampire attack — a brief but chilling reminder of the horror lurking beneath.
After this unsettling glimpse, the narrative shifts focus to the brothers preparing for their bar’s grand opening.
Set in 1932 Mississippi, the film subtly explores themes of racial inequality —
through imagery like plantation scrip, the presence of the KKK, and segregated spaces.
But it doesn’t pit Black and white characters against each other in a straightforward conflict.
In fact, the main villain, Remick, even expresses anti-racist sentiments
and believes his actions are a form of salvation or liberation.
One of the most striking scenes is when Sammy performs his original song,
"I Lied to You", for his father.
This moment transcends time and place —
a surreal celebration of souls united through music.
Shamans, rappers, DJs, Chinese dancers, and ballet performers all merge into a dreamlike vision.
This alone is reason enough to experience the film in theaters.
Sammy’s heartfelt performance even touches the vampires.
From here, the story leans more heavily into vampire territory —
complete with bloodsucking, sunlight, garlic, silver, and wooden stakes.
It was the first time I learned about the trope
that vampires must be invited before entering a house.
However, the film never reduces vampires to mere monsters.
There’s even a moment when a white folk song — another immigrant's cultural expression —
is given equal emotional weight as the blues.
Is this a clash of cultures rather than a battle of good vs. evil?
All these events unfold over the course of one fateful night —
the bar's opening night also becomes its closing.
It’s a business disaster, sure,
but it makes the short time frame feel densely packed and meaningful.
Knowing more about the historical context would deepen the film’s metaphors and symbolism,
but even without that background, its unique charm and energy shine through.
As a film that's won over both critics and audiences alike,
I strongly recommend watching it in a theater for the full audiovisual impact.
Post-Credit Scene: YES
Stay until all the credits roll!
🎵 Sinners: The Damned Official Soundtrack
Listen to the complete original score and soundtrack on:
Thumbnail image source: TMDB
This post is a translation of the original Korean version.