“You keep dancing with the devil… one day he’s gonna follow you home.”

Ryan Coogler has truly outdone himself with this action packed, period piece, that takes a vampire story and twists it on its head to become a discussion piece, a true work of art that can be looked at, studied and dissected for years to come. A story about love, loss – culture, religion and most importantly freedom. From start to finish it is visually stunning, the handcrafted blues soundtrack is the heart beat throughout this epic and moody adventure.

On first viewing the film is a slow burn. A 1930s set Mississippi set drama (with one hell of a twist) But every inch is squeezed full of symbolism, carefully crafted to portray a true portrait about culture. Our protagonist twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B Jordan) are gangsters, trying to make a life for themselves back in their home state. Jordan puts in such an incredible performance, that you can tell these two identical characters a part from their mannerisms, their body language and posture. I loved the portrayal, even down to their outfits, one being very heavily Ireland inspired and the other Italian – both tidying them to cultures based in oppression, immigration and religion. Both cultures tie heavily into African American history and all share a bloody and harsh past tired to persecution and isolation from society.

This theme is one that carries throughout. We follow a small town, a black community in the recently ‘freed’ plantations of Mississippi. Unfortunately despite the law change, people were unjustly treated nonetheless. At its heart the film is a search for freedom. A freedom through music, sex and love.

Overall, the one thing that stand out to me in this film is how much soul it has. It is not your standard vampire movie, but a movie that speaks out and has real heart in every character. You care about and understand each and everyone one. You are with them for their journey and the actors do a fantastic job of making them feel like real characters – not a fiction – but real people with real realities, in a time that historically needs to be heard. The score and soundtrack are outstanding and really carries the story, creating a world full of life and hardship. The Blues backdrop perfectly frames the gorgeous cinematography and is as gritty as it is breathtaking.

Overall, I was blown away by ‘Sinners’. I was expecting a great movie, but it truly goes above and beyond to place itself among the best efforts in recent years. Artistically, making a statement but equally giving cinema goers an action packed thrill ride which will keep you engaged from start to finish. I would put money on this sweeping the Oscars, and personally being my film of 2025.

10/10

“Does evil come from within us or from beyond?”

Robert Eggers sultry slow burn of an adaptation is really a must see watch for those that love classic horror and atmospheric tension. A classic told that’s been told countless times, with Eggers signature style, that oozes and drips from every pore of this gothic epic.

The cinematography is breathtaking – a series of gorgeous gothic castles, cathedrals and drab city streets. This style really creates a character in itself, always peaking around corners or looming overhead – with a striking almost monochrome colour scheme that harks back to its 1922 roots.

The actors performances are also not to be taken lightly here, as Bill Skarsgard completely – body and soul – into Count Orlok. His role in this movie really makes the horror as his voice, thick with accent and deepness really get across what true vampires should be, pure horror and fear. Each movement deliberate and intense, as well as powerful – it is a performance that left me in shock and awe. Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp also put in a career best performance as forlorn lovers, wracked Orloks plagues, with fantastic enthusiasm and physicality. Willem Defoe is incredible as always – no surprise there.

Although the films run time looses a little steam around the mid way mark, and can be a little self indulgent with pacing – overall this is a film well worth seeing. Visually impressive, with a dark, lusty and macabre undertone this film thrills, scares and even tugs on the heartstrings. A welcome addition for any horror lover, and a memorable piece added to the vampire archives.

8/10

To start my blog I chose to review one of my personal favourite films. ‘District 9’ (2009) directed by Neil Blomkamp is like Marmite – you love it, or hate it. For many sci-fi fans this was just the kick to the system that the genre needed – with dull sequels, prequels and remakes being released on a constant basis. Being unique in style and content, as well as having a team of independent film makers this message really spoke out about issues in South Africa, and the racism that occurs – only with aliens.

The film starts as a documentary – quite an off-putting thing for most modern audiences and quite confusing to the first time viewer. We see the main character explore what is in truth a alien slum. I remember the first time I saw the first five minutes of the shaky and gritty imagery. And it blew my mind. Immediately I felt pity for these creepily formed “prawn” like aliens. What strikes me most about this feature is the sheer pity for the aliens – defying the typical Hollywood stereotype of the invading aliens taking over the world and controlling our minds. This goes much deeper. The aliens are outcast. Their children are being killed and hunted. But they are intelligent. And they just want to go home.

Sharlto Copley does an amazing job of showing the transformation of a man in dire need. Infected with (what I assume is) Prawn DNA, Wikus invests in the help of two aliens, including a child. The change in his attitude is astonishing – he loses everything he ever cared about – some may say rightly so. But the friendship that forms is really what this film is about.

I believe, at the core of all sci-fi, human emotions and situations are ten times more important than any special effect, CGI or highly strung explosion sequences. The bond these two character – one human with no morals or care for anyone but himself, and one alien whose a caring father and helpful to others. This is an ultimate double act. Its an emotional roller-coaster that really makes you feel pity for how selfish and ignorant the human race can be.

The fact that this was also an independent film – with a low budget is astonishing. It showed audiences what sci fi should really be about. Not hugely expensive special effects and visuals but at it’s heart a story about people. ‘District 9’ does look amazing but what really shines through is performance and good story telling.

If the fact that the special effects, action and make-up is not enough, the story is brilliant and really makes this film stand out as a diamond in the piles and piles of rough – and lifts science fiction out of its pre-packaged boredom into a new generation of interesting and unique piece of cinematic art.

– Victoria