Plot: What’s it about?
There’s a lot of things that just…happen in this world with little or no explanation. Case in point, I often frequent a subreddit called /paranormalencounters. In it people post video footage of what they believe is a ghost/spirit and/or some supernatural occurrence. I haven’t believed a single one of them as I tend to think there’s a logical and rational explanation for everything that happens. Either I’ll ultimately be proven correct or my last words will be “Huh. So it is real.” Or something to that effect. I mention this because the events of this film are heavily inspired by the filmmaker’s relatives who have told him of the personal and real-life experiences of life in the Jim Crow South. Regardless if they’re true or not, it does make for an entertaining film. At the helm is Ryan Coogler, the Academy Award nominated director of Black Panther (a Marvel film I felt was good, but far overrated). Is that same magic present here? Let’s find out.
The film, set in the early 1930’s, stars Micael B. Jordan playing dual roles as twin brothers: Smoke and Stack (get it?). They’ve just returned home to the Mississippi Delta after a few years of working in Chicago’s criminal underground. During their tenure, they’ve managed to acquire quite a nice sum of cash and plan to use said funds to open a juke joint. They hire a young guitar player, Sammie (Miles Caton) to be one of their musicians much to the chagrin of his father. Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) accompanies Sammie as a keyboardist and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), Smoke’s estranged wife, is the cook. We also meet the opening act – Mary (Hailee Steinfeld). There’s more to the film than that, of course, a horror element which I won’t divulge as to do so would ruin the surprise of the film. Suffice it to say that even if this wasn’t a part of the film, it’d still be entertaining if only for Michael B. Jordan’s performance(s) alone.
I used to work as a web designer while living in Arkansas (we’re talking early 2000’s) and some of my projects were based on things like this that happened in the film. I was captivated by some of the history, lore and just flat out “weird” stuff that’s happened. I have no idea if any of this is actually true, but when you’re watching a film that’s not really the point. This isn’t a documentary – it’s a work of fiction meant to entertain. There are those out there that felt that this film was overpraised. That’s generally the case when a movie get such high marks. I’m somewhat iffy on the matter, though as I mentioned above I do feel that the aforementioned Black Panther wasn’t deserving of all of its praise. But that’s neither here nor there. Make up your own mind and, yes, be prepared for a twist that you’ll either see coming a mile away or it’ll take you by surprise. At any rate, it makes the film work.
Video: How’s it look?
In a word – dark. Dark and wide. Yes, this movie has two aspect ratios: one that’ll stretch the limits of your screen a la Lawrence of Arabia, and that other that’s the “Academy Standard” that’ll simply fill it. This isn’t anything new as a lot of IMAX films do this (notably with some of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films), but it’s something that simply happens and it’ll catch you off guard. Still, I stand by my initial wording in that this is a very dark film, both in tone and its physical appearance. Thankfully Warner’s 4K HEVC image isn’t compromised in the least as we’re treated to exceptional detail, stunning contrast and a wide color gamut (to an extent) that makes this one a joy to watch.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Not to be outdone, the film’s Dolby Atmos soundtrack is, simply put, flat out amazing. Vocals are pure and crisp, but it’s the front stage and the surrounds (and their bigger brothers) that really make this film what is is on an audible scale. Things whiz right by us, there are shots fired and so forth. It’s just another testament to how a good-sounding track can literally put you right in the middle of the action. Honestly, I could go on and on, but I think what I’ve said is more than enough. This one will shake the room (in a good way).
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Dancing with the Devil: The Making of Sinners – Journey with director Ryan Coogler as he makes his most personal and powerful film yet. Featuring Michael B. Jordan and an all-star cast, filmed on location in IMAX, the film is an original genre-bending experience unlike any other.
- Thicker than Blood: Becoming the Smokestack Twins – Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler take us through the development, creation and portrayal of the Smokestack Twins, revealing how make-up, costumes, and visual effects come together to support these seamless performances.
- Blues in the Night: The Music of Sinners – Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson explores the musical landscape of Sinners, including the iconic sounds of the Delta Blues, and the creation and recording of the unique and inspired performances written for the film.
- Spirits in the Deep South – Prof. Yvonne Chireau explores the backdrop of Hoodoo in the deep south and how its beliefs and traditions in spirituality, ancestors, the hereafter, and defense against evil inform the world and characters.
- The Wages of Sin: The Creature FX of Sinners – Creature Makeup FX Designer Mike Fontaine reveals the secrets behind the supernatural horrors that terrorize the Juke, Ryan Coogler’s fresh take on vampires, and the various gore and blood effects used throughout the film.
- Deleted Scenes – Nearly 20 minutes’ worth, though given the running time of nearly two and a half hours, these were wisely cut.
The Bottom Line
When movies are “critically-hailed”, it’s for two reasons: the movie is simply that good and the critics got it right. Or, it’s just what a select group of folks think. There are several movies that are considered “rotten” by others and I love them. And the opposite also applies. The question you have to ask yourself is where you stand with this one? Warner’s disc offers reference-quality audio and video and enough supplements to warrant a purchase.
