“Sinners” Hits the Box Office Just in Time for Resurrection Sunday— Starring Michael B. Jordan as a Dual Character

By Rocki Patrice

My thoughts 

It’s been said that music has the power to influence both the past and the future. Did you know that your brain cannot reject the information coming from music because the intake part of your brain will receive it? Whereas, if certain things are said to you, they can just be dismissed. Also, it’s been said that Lucifer was the minister of music before being casted out of heaven. So, music has been said to carry spiritual influences that can be dark. When watching this movie, you want to remember that—it will help analyze some of the layers of context in Sinners.

Before we get into the movie, what is a sinner? A person who transgresses against divine law by committing an immoral act or acts. I love the title of this movie because it definitely prepares you to watch the film.

The Movie

Sinners (2025) is a genre-blending horror thriller directed by Ryan Coogler, featuring Michael B. Jordan in a compelling dual role. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the film intertwines themes of racial tension, supernatural horror, and the transformative power of music.

Twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), veterans of World War I and former Chicago gangsters, return to their hometown in the Mississippi Delta. Aiming to start anew, they invest stolen money into converting a sawmill into a juke joint for the local Black community. Their cousin Sammie, a gifted young guitarist, joins them—despite his pastor father’s warnings about the dangers of music.

The Warnings Were Clear

Sinners are always cautioned to turn from evil ways—just like Sammie.

“Warning goes before destruction and a haughty look before a fall.”

When watching this movie, understanding that Sammie didn’t heed the warning of his pastor and then seeing all that transpired afterward may make you reflect on true-life biblical principles.

The Night the Music Awakened Spirits

On opening night, Sammie’s transcendent performance summons spirits from the past and the future, drawing Remmick’s attention. Visually, you see best boys, African dancers, blues singers, rappers—representing all generations—join the party. The music pulled in all types of spirits.

This energy attracts vampires—trapped souls who want to connect to the past. They begin to infiltrate the juke joint, leading to a brutal confrontation. As the community fights for survival, themes of heritage, sacrifice, and the power of music come to the forefront.

The vampires repeatedly request to come in—but they cannot unless invited. They say they came to see Sammie. One brother is willing to believe they just want to play and enjoy music, so he sends his ex-girlfriend to check it out. When she returns… let’s just say, the decision leads to a brother-vs-brother battle.

The vampires insist they will make great music with Sammie. After a very offing night, Sammie survives. He faces death, but says The Lord’s Prayer.

Is that prayer what protected him?

Decades Later: The Choice of Immortality

The film fast-forwards to 1992. Sammie is now a celebrated blues musician. He’s visited by Stack and Mary, who offer him immortality. He declines.

This moment puzzles me in perception—it resembles the devil offering the world in exchange for your soul. But Sammie declines. He admits he relives that night every week. To me, that highlights the effects of trauma.

Although this movie leans into fiction, is there subliminal meaning to these things?

Spiritual Reflections 

This is a spoiler alert—but I purposely left a lot out so you can still go see it and enjoy it.

On Resurrection Sunday, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight:

“He who the Son sets free is free indeed.”

In biblical nature, the Son is Jesus. But metaphorically, the sun literally sets vampires free. They cannot take the light—it kills them and releases the trapped soul.

In the film, the sun sets them free. Pain may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. They had a horrible night, but when the sun rose, Sammie—who survived—no longer had the fear of death that attacked in the night.

Back To My Thoughts

This is a must-watch. Yes, I left the theater when the horror scenes got graphic—but I had to come back and reflect on it all. Sinners might be fiction, but it reveals real-life truths in metaphor.

Watch it. Then come back here and tell me—did you see any of your truth in this film?