First, let’s get this out of the way: Sinners is a Black movie. It is not a ‘universal’ story, nor is it a very good movie whose characters happen to be Black. It fits none of those descriptions that too many white critics tend to employ whenever attempting to describe a Black creation that is so good that it must either be regarded (by them) as an exception to the rule, or challenged as a truly Black creation (surely white folks are somehow the ones really responsible for all this Black excellence).
Or, worst of all, a creation so good that it must be separated from and shorn of its Blackness so that it can be regarded as (somewhat) equal to all those highly-praised creations developed by whites. The implication being that nothing Black folks create can ever be seen as equal to a white creation so long as it insists on being unapologetically Black.
And yet…Sinners is a Black movie. The (Black) storyline was written by (Black) filmmaker Ryan Coogler featuring not just how scary vampires can be but the power of the blues (Black) and featuring a largely (Black) cast where the two lead characters were portrayed by one (Black) actor who even guns down the Klan near the movie’s end. Oh, and two of the three producers (Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian) are a married Black couple.
That Black enough for ya?
This entire original blockbuster of a screenplay was conceived by an incredibly talented young Black man who refused to compromise his vision for a film that is now breaking all the records as well as the rules.
So far, it has grossed nearly $237 million globally, making it one of the highest-grossing original screenplays that Hollywood has released in years, according to Fangoria.
Sinners’ domestic box office run has already made it one of the most notable horror hits of all time, reaching sixth place on the domestic all-time chart with its gross of $182 million and falling between Get Out and A Quiet Place. Coogler's hit has only cemented itself further as 2025's greatest success so far.”
And all this while being a Blackety Black Black movie that also tips a respectful hat to the culture of Native Americans, the Irish, and Asians during the period of the storyline.
So why does this matter?
Because at a time when DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives are under assault by a white nationalist President of the United States who is intent on erasing any and all evidence that anyone except white males ever achieved anything in this country – a country where a majority of voters thought it would be a good idea to elect this man for a second time – the most successful movie in the country right now is damned near the posterchild for DEI. And quite obviously, Sinners could not be achieving all this success if only Black folks were showing up at the box office.
So Trump said he wants to impose a 100% tariff on movies not made in America because the only movies we should see are the ones being made in America, because America First and all that.
Yeah. Well. I guess maybe you should be careful what you ask for, buddy.
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