Ryan Coogler's latest horror film, "Sinners", delves into various themes such as ethnicity, Southern culture, and the importance of preserving art. One of the most intriguing aspects the movie explores is the intersection of oppression, colonization, and religion.
When Coogler revealed his fifth feature film, I was thrilled.
As a fan of horror and Southern gothic genre, I was eager to see a vampire movie centered on Black characters in the South. What caught my attention was the exploration of the complex relationship between African Americans and Christianity.
Growing up in a Baptist community in New York City, the rituals of Sunday school, choir practices, and lengthy services were ingrained in my routine. However, as I delved into history and my ancestors' experiences, I began questioning the religion that was imposed on us.
In "Sinners," Delroy Lindo's character points out how the Blues was a choice brought from home, unlike the religion that was forced upon enslaved populations upon their arrival in the United States.
The film sheds light on how Christianity was used as a tool for control, with slave owners justifying their actions using biblical passages. An exhibit at Harvard University highlighted this manipulation of religion in the 1800s.
Despite the challenges, ancestral practices were maintained in secret as a way to preserve cultural identity. This includes traditions like Hoodoo, which were brought by enslaved populations to the South.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness characters using Hoodoo not only to serve their community but also to connect with their lineage. The film challenges stereotypes by portraying Hoodoo as a practice that provides spiritual connection.
The clash between Christianity and ancestral practices is exemplified through characters like Sammie "Preacher Boy" Moore, who grapples with his father's expectations of focusing solely on church activities.
The movie confronts the audience with uncomfortable truths about the history of religion and its impact on marginalized communities. It prompts viewers to reassess their beliefs and biases.
As more individuals turn towards ancestral practices, the film serves as a reflection of this cultural shift and the search for spiritual connection rooted in personal history.
Despite criticism from some quarters, "Sinners" challenges viewers to explore the complexities of religion and cultural empowerment.
Through the lens of horror, Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' invites audiences to reflect on the intertwining of religion, power, and identity in a thought-provoking manner.
Connect with Gabrielle Chenault, covering Williamson County for The Tennessean. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Hampton University and a master's degree in race/social justice reporting from the University of Southern California.