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Ryan Coogler has solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most groundbreaking directors, demonstrating his talent with notable films such as Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. His work has earned him two Academy Award nominations and garnered widespread acclaim. After almost three years away from filmmaking, Coogler returns with the haunting horror feature Sinners, featuring his frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, in a dynamic dual role.
Taking place in 1932 Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, played by Jordan, as they return to their hometown seeking a fresh start, only to uncover dark secrets within their community. Sinners has drawn enthusiastic responses from both audiences and critics, with Coogler’s skillful narrative crafting likened to that of Robert Rodriguez’s iconic 1996 film From Dusk Till Dawn. Let us explore the impact of this legendary film on Sinners.
Exploring ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’: A Cult Classic
The 1996 cult favorite From Dusk Till Dawn features a star-studded ensemble, including George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, and Juliette Lewis. The plot follows the fugitive Gecko brothers, Seth and Richie, who go on the run after a liquor store robbery leads to a deadly confrontation. Seeking asylum in Mexico, they hijack the Fuller family, aiming for safety within the confines of an RV. However, their escape plan quickly derails as they encounter a den of vampires.
Upon arriving in Mexico, Seth (Clooney) and Richie (Tarantino) force Jacob Fuller and his children to take them to a strip club where a connection awaits to usher them to safety at “El Rey.” The atmosphere shifts dramatically when patrons in the bar morph into vampires, instigating a savage fight for survival led by the stunning yet deadly Santanico Pandemonium (Salma Hayek).
The success of From Dusk Till Dawn not only propelled Clooney to stardom but also marked Hayek’s breakthrough in English-language cinema. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and co-written with close friend Quentin Tarantino, this film established a legacy that continues to influence creators like Coogler, resulting in a renewed interest in its cinematic brutality and humor.
Influences: ‘Sinners’ Draws from Rodriguez’s Masterpiece
Sinners embraces a Southern Gothic tone while paralleling the circumstances in From Dusk Till Dawn, featuring two criminal brothers confronted by supernatural malevolence. They embark on a violent struggle for survival that culminates in an intense finale. Coogler has acknowledged the significant influence of Rodriguez, especially the director’s underappreciated film The Faculty and Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot.
Coogler commented, “Robert Rodriguez is a big influence. While comparisons to From Dusk Till Dawn are apparent, it closely relates to The Faculty, a remake of The Thing, which is among my all-time favorites.”
Much like King’s narrative, Sinners delves into the dynamics of a close-knit community tormented by a monstrous presence. Similar to the Geckos seeking refuge in a vampire-ridden strip bar, the brothers Smoke and Stack find shelter in their juke joint to prepare for an impending confrontation.
The gripping performances of Clooney as the charismatic Seth and Tarantino as the unpredictable Richie contributed to the film’s enduring status as a horror classic, paving the way for future filmmakers.
From Dusk Till Dawn achieved commercial success and garnered mixed critical responses, with some viewing it as excessively violent and exploitative. However, nearly three decades later, the film has maintained its popularity, spawning sequels and a television adaptation, further establishing Rodriguez’s illustrious career.
Sinners has recently debuted in theaters, earning acclaim for its storytelling and complex themes, boasting an impressive 99% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Julian Roman from MovieWeb remarked, “This fifth collaboration between Coogler and Jordan is a captivating thriller that vividly represents Black life in the turbulent Jim Crow South while weaving together an enriching cultural backdrop and musical tradition.”
Where to Watch ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’
From Dusk Till Dawn stands out as an essential viewing for horror enthusiasts, rife with gore, humor, tension, and remarkable performances. The film is available to stream for free on Pluto, and is also available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango.
Source
movieweb.com