Sinners (2025)

·50 min·4 clips

Brian admits he's terrified of horror but risks it for Ryan Coogler's new vampire film.

This episode of Mad About Movies features the hosts discussing Ryan Coogler's 2025 original film *Sinners*, starring Michael B. Jordan. The hosts are self-proclaimed "Coogler heads" who have eagerly anticipated this film's release. They explore how Coogler blends horror with social commentary, music history, and buddy comedy elements in a Prohibition-era setting. Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers, a surprise element that added narrative complexity and showcased his range. The film's score by Ludwig Göransson is hailed as career-defining, potentially elevating him to John Williams' stature. A standout scene depicts a musical performance that visually traces the evolution from Delta blues to Jimi Hendrix, which the hosts call one of the best scenes in a decade. The vampires follow classic lore without lengthy exposition, a choice that respects the audience's intelligence. Coogler's direction is praised for subtle visual storytelling, like a tracking shot that conveys racial segregation without dialogue. The supporting cast, including Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo, delivers pitch-perfect performances, with newcomer Miles Caden holding his own against Jordan. The film features three distinct epilogues, each enhancing the overall experience. The hosts note influences from Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and Jordan Peele, yet the film feels wholly original. They argue this success cements Coogler, alongside directors like Christopher Nolan, as a filmmaker who can now greenlight any original project. The conversation has an enthusiastic, conversational tone filled with inside jokes and mutual admiration. Listeners who enjoy deep-dive film analysis, discussions on directorial craft, and genre-blending cinema will love this episode. Those seeking a critical or negative review might skip it, as the hosts unanimously give the film an A+.

As heard by us

A lively Coogler conversation that lands on performance, atmosphere, and summer-movie payoff.

Mad About Movies spends this one on Ryan Coogler's Sinners, opening with its music-and-spirits setup and then settling into a group judgment that it feels like summer movie season arriving in earnest.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the Coogler-vs-vampires take that treats Sinners like a real summer event.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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