The Haunting Music of Sinners: How the Film Score Enhances Its Dark, Emotional Storytelling

Director Ryan Coogler's box office film Sinners has critics buzzing, with Rotten Tomatoes noting that it is one of the best films of the year. The film's standout cast includes Michael B. Jordan, Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and newcomer Miles Caton, all of whom deliver powerhouse performances among many others. One of the many things that really sets Sinners apart is its hauntingly beautiful score. From the opening scene that shows Miles Caton's character Sammie's connection to music to the post-credits scene of Caton singing with his guitar, the music doesn't just serve as an understudy to the film, because it has a stronghold in shaping the story being told. At the heart of the film, the music becomes a form of escapism, carrying each character through a deeply personal, emotional journey. As the story builds, so does the sound, rising to a powerful crescendo that brings every aspect of this film together. It's more than a soundtrack; it's the film's soul, adding depth to pivotal moments, tension, and raw consumption of each line being delivered.