Sinners Is The Greatest Film of 2025, Already... - Sinners Review
Ryan Coogler Revolutionises Cinema with His Vampire Thriller Sensation
Heading into 2025, we were promised a line-up of films that looked set to bring audiences flooding back to the big screen, from scene-stealing sci-fi like Mickey 17, to the quiet, artistic beauty of the silent animation Flow. But no film had me more intrigued than Ryan Coogler’s latest, Sinners.
From the start, Sinners looked like it was going to offer something fresh and original, with a unique concept, a stacked cast, and Coogler’s brilliant directorial vision steering the whole thing - and upon the release of the first trailer, my initial excitement for the movie was fully cemented in my top 5 most anticipated of the year (Read our top 5 anticipated of the year) - but this film has fully blown any expectations I had out of the water by miles, as this film has become the epitome of absolute brilliance.
Sinners follows the story of Smoke and Stack, two brothers, both played by the ever-impressive Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown in the Mississippi Delta during the 1930s to open a speakeasy. But their plans quickly unravel when they come face to face with a supernatural evil… a cult of vampires. The narrative is not only brilliantly paced, keeping you hooked from start to finish, but it’s also one of the most creative and dynamic screenplays I’ve seen in a long time. Every character is written with intention, each one serving a clear purpose in pushing the story forward, and it all fits together beautifully. The film strikes an ideal balance: strong, complex male leads paired with powerful, empowering female characters - something that feels genuinely refreshing to watch.
The performances across the board are absolutely spellbinding, with every member of the ensemble delivering what feels like a career-best. Michael B. Jordan completely embodies both twins with astonishing precision, and it’s a truly standout performance. Playing dual roles is no easy feat, but he takes it on with full force and completely nails it. Hailee Steinfeld is also a revelation as Mary, Stack’s on-and-off girlfriend who just wants to feel like she belongs. She brings humour, electric chemistry with Stack, and a sharp edge, becoming genuinely menacing when her character takes a darker turn.
But the real surprise, and, honestly, the heart of the film — is Miles Caton in his acting debut as Sammie. For a first-ever performance, it’s nothing short of remarkable. In my opinion, it’s award-worthy. He plays Sammie with a mix of innocence and raw emotional depth. A young man naive to the world, but fully ready to fight for survival and risk everything for his freedom when the moment calls for it.
Outside of these shining factors, the soundtrack for this film is absolutely stunning. The combination of Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler was never going to miss, and in Sinners, every piece of music soars off the screen and straight into the audience’s hearts. The score masterfully builds suspense and tension, amplifying the film’s atmosphere in all the right ways - and I seriously hope that this score is thrown into contention for some awards this year.
The music brought to life by Sammie within the story is effortlessly beautiful, elevated even further by the stunning vocals from the cast, especially Miles Caton and Jayme Lawson. Jack O’Connell also leans perfectly into the darker, more menacing vocal moments, adding another layer of depth to the soundscape.
And then there’s the visual side of the film, which is, quite frankly, out of this world. The cinematography is on another level, with the use of lighting and colour palettes working beautifully throughout. I especially loved how different colours were used in the characters’ costumes to reflect their personalities and moods. And the dim, moody lighting that falls over the juke joint when the trouble begins? Absolutely stunning. It sets the tone perfectly. That final shot of Smoke and Stack staring into the sunset is engraved into my head.
In summary, Sinners is nothing short of a masterpiece, in fact, it’s more than that; it’s a full-blown spectacle made for the big screen. The cast are phenomenal, the visuals are breathtaking, and the story is one for the ages. This is the kind of film you’ll want to watch again and again - and it absolutely deserves it.
Rating: ★★★★★/5