Wow and wow and wow again. Sometimes there is a movie that is so incredibly well done that you want to watch it again just to revel in its perfection. That’s how I felt about Sinners, the long but worth it 1930s-era story of twin brothers who leave trouble behind in Chicago, returning to their southern hometown to open an R&B hall for dancing and drinking and gambling.
Taking place over the course of two days, the first half follows the brothers as they buy and fix up the old building, round up their music players (guitar, harmonica, etc.), spread the word in town, and kick off their opening night. But some unusual events soon converge to change the course of the night and the lives of all those involved in a way I never saw coming. With strong atmospheric storytelling; deep and dark historical, racial, and spiritual themes; and, eventually, true horror, this movie deserves a top spot in your 31 Days of Horror.
Top Scare: Door
Heartbeats: 3 out of 5
Gore Factor: 3 out of 5
Scare Factor: 2 3/4 out of 5
Recommended for: 16 or 17 and up
Tanya Konerman, Author 