“Sinners” Is a Stylish, Frustrating, and Unforgettable IMAX Experience – Review

“Sinners” is a savage swing for the fences and one hell of a ride.

There’s been plenty of buzz leading up to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, and going into the screening, I was skeptical about its 100% fresh Rotten Tomatoes score. Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t say I agree with that number—but I can say this: Sinners is a bold, bizarre, and beautifully shot ride that left me speechless, entertained, and a little confused.

From Coogler—the visionary behind Black Panther and Creed—and starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, Sinners is a hybrid horror-thriller that starts strong and stylish, set against the haunting backdrop of 1932. The authenticity of the setting and cinematography instantly pulled me in, and seeing Jordan play both twin brothers was a highlight. He brings intensity and emotional depth to both roles, solidifying his place as one of today’s most versatile actors.

The film follows these troubled twins as they return to their hometown, hoping to leave their past behind, only to find something far more sinister waiting for them. But here’s where things get complicated. The marketing leaned hard into vampires—and about halfway through, I found myself wondering: where are the vampires? Where are those big trailer moments? Where’s the lore?

To the film’s credit, I appreciated the nod to classic vampire mythology—yes, the “vampires must be invited in” rule is acknowledged. I thought that was a cool touch. But man, that helpful rule was completely thrown out the window later, which frustrated me and helped propel the plot.

Turns out that Sinners isn’t really a vampire flick.

Instead, it’s a genre-defying blend of arthouse ambition and blockbuster spectacle, packed with social commentary, eerie tension, and a narrative that slowly unravels into something much deeper—and much weirder—than I expected.

The film takes a long, winding road through its third act. While it eventually lands somewhere fun and chaotic, the pacing drags. It truly tested my patience at times. Still, I have to give Coogler credit. This is his unfiltered vision, and the fact that a major studio-backed something this unconventional is a win for original storytelling.

Sinners features a moody score and provocative imagery. Its story leans heavily into music, violence, and sex appeal, while also tackling themes like guilt, identity, and power. The film plays like a midnight fever dream—creepy, clever, and always pushing boundaries. It’s clear that Coogler had full creative control here, much like Christopher Nolan often does. That freedom shows throughout the film—for better, and sometimes for worse.

Supporting turns from Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, and Delroy Lindo round out the ensemble, but this is very much Jordan’s show. Watching him switch between characters easily was worth the admission price alone.

Verdict

I give Sinners a frustrating 4 out of 5 stars. Maybe I wanted a different movie, or maybe I was expecting more traditional horror. But Sinners still managed to be one of the most odd and entertaining IMAX experiences I’ve had in a while.

And yes, there are two post-credit scenes—so stick around.

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