Triumph and Humanity: Why Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” is a Generational Hit

KMOB1003 Editorial team • Film & Culture Docent

The cast of “Sinners” poses together after receiving the Ensemble Tribute at the #GothamAwards—a well-deserved nod to the depth and humanity they brought to this genre masterpiece.

Though Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster stars Michael B. Jordan in a powerhouse dual role, the film’s lasting impact rests on the stellar supporting cast, particularly the quartet of women who infuse the Jim Crow-era setting with heart.

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The Feeling on Set: A Special Alchemy

The electricity of creating something exceptional was palpable during production. Li Jun Li admits she had an “inkling” upon reading the script, noting the moment “when I reached the musical montage.” Wunmi Mosaku shared that feeling on set, revealing, “We kept checking in with each other, saying, ‘Does this feel as special to you as it feels to me?’”

The instant audience response confirmed their belief. Jayme Lawson noted the immediate connection on opening weekend: “I thought it might take more time… But it was instant. People were clutching onto it the way we felt when we read it.” Hailee Steinfeld saw her beliefs confirmed as she watched people return for repeat viewings: “It was exciting to see people really grasp the depth of the project. Each time you pick up on something different. There’s so much going on with this film.”

Beyond the Box Office: A Stew of Everything

While *Sinners* made more than $367 million worldwide, its true impact is cultural. The film—a 2025 American period drama horror film—delves deeply into life’s biggest questions around community, history, oppression, music, and spirituality, all disguised on the surface as an action-packed vampire pic set in 1932 Mississippi. The film received universal critical acclaim and was listed among the top ten films of 2025 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.

Li Jun Li calls the film “a testament to Ryan’s genius, his ability to tell this rich story through this stew of everything,” adding, “You can’t categorize it under one thing.” This complexity has driven intense audience loyalty, with Li revealing, “I had people sending me photos of their 42 ticket stubs,” not to mention the viral fan theories and TikToks that relived Steinfeld’s iconic lines.

Jordan’s Dual Masterpiece: Smoke and Stack

Jordan’s Dual Masterpiece: Smoke and Stack

The film rests on the challenging work of Michael B. Jordan in his fifth collaboration with Ryan Coogler. Playing criminal twin brothers Smoke and Stack in dual roles was his most ambitious task yet. Jordan discussed the artistic and technical difficulty of portraying dual roles, having to develop distinct personalities, dialects, and mannerisms for each. He worked with a dialect coach and real-life twins to understand their complex bond.

Girl Power: Voices Beyond the Script

In an era where women’s roles in mainstream media often feel underwritten, Sinners is a joy for featuring no less than four complicated, specific female voices. These women—Mary (Steinfeld), Pearline (Lawson), Annie (Mosaku)—are no wallflowers; they declare what they want and pursue it, society’s norms be damned. “These roles are few and far between,” says Steinfeld.

The strength extended behind the scenes, from costume designer Ruth E. Carter to producer Zinzi Coogler and executive music producer Serena Göransson. Lawson offered high praise to Coogler, acknowledging that the director avoids “performative” writing: “This is a man who has an actual investment in relationships with the women in his life — and that is seen as much off the screen as it is seen on the screen.”

The Legacy of “Sinners”

From the iconic lines and rampant fan theories to the Gotham Awards Ensemble Tribute, Sinners has cemented its place in film history. Its success is a powerful fusion of visionary directing, dedicated dual-lead acting, and the undeniable strength and humanity brought by the four women at its heart.

It is, as Li Jun Li concludes, a true testament to Coogler’s ability to create a film that is simply too rich and complex to be categorized.

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