Greetings again from the darkness. My apologies for this review posting months after it should have. The tardiness of the post has nothing to do with the quality of the movie, which I found quite entertaining and creative. It might be best described as an innovate storytelling approach to an age-old tale … with some very cool twists and turns. Ryan Coogler previously directed BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (2022), BLACK PANTHER (2018), CREED (2015), and FRUITVALE STATION (2013); however, this is his first fully original film as writer-director, and it certainly doesn’t lack ambition.
You likely know that Michael B Jordan starred in all of Coogler’s films mentioned above, and he’s back here as both “Smoke” (Elijah) and his twin brother “Stack” (Elias). The boys are fresh from Capone’s gang in Chicago, and intent on setting up a juke joint in their old Mississippi hometown stomping grounds. An abandoned sawmill that has seen its share of slaughters will do just fine (and no, you definitely shouldn’t read any foreshadowing or irony into the setting. Wink. Wink.). Since I mentioned the twins, you should know that the technical aspects are astounding (in addition to Jordan’s terrific performances). An early scene where the brothers share a cigarette amazed me in its execution and detail. This was the first of many.
Young, bloody Sammie (the film debut of Miles Caton) staggers to his preacher father’s alter carrying the neck of a shattered Charley Patton guitar. And this may be the closest Coogler’s film gets to a serene scene. What follows is a unique blend of too many bits to list, but definitely includes horror, monsters, blues music, biblical references, southern racism, historical events (Robert Johnson’s crossroads), mythology, mobsters, Mississippi Delta black culture, and enough violence for a few films. You may think you’ve seen all there is to see about vampire mythology, but Coogler doesn’t shy away from new blood (so to speak). Now, is all that just too much for one movie to tackle? Many will likely think so, however, those that go with it will likely find it as entertaining as I did.
The supporting cast is massive and filled with familiar faces and talented actors – too many to list here, but know that each contribution adds to the overall dynamic. I will mention Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary, a “dangerous” multi-racial woman who is the bridge between black and white (and perhaps good and evil). There are at least eleven other actors who excel in their role and have a memorable, and often surprising or shocking impact, but the only other one I’ll call by name is the legendary Buddy Guy who appears in the 1992 Epilogue. From a technical standpoint, acknowledging those who created the Southern Gothic horror atmosphere are Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Editor Michael P Shawver, and Composer Ludwig Goransson (a two-time Oscar winner). Filmmaker Ryan Coogler has established himself as one who combines a strong technical team, a stellar cast, and a sharp script to create films that have broader appeal than one might expect (superheroes, vampires, and culture clashes). His films are now must-see cinema.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 