Anyone who has been paying attention to the box office over the last couple of weeks should notice how well "Sinners" is doing. Technically a horror movie, it's outdoing almost everything the genre has produced in the past. The reason for this is that Ryan Coogler wrote an outstanding screenplay that is structurally solid and features characters with whom the audience can emotionally engage.
As a Stage 32 screenplay reader, I encourage all aspiring writers on this site to see that film and see what Coogler did, not only with the characters, but with their relationships as well. This isn't just a slasher movie. This film has a compelling story with deep thematic components. It has plenty of gore and sex to titillate an audience, filling in many of the horror tropes. What separates "Sinners" is the time and effort Coogler took in developing the characters and their relationships, and giving us a deep story for us to care about.
It's also mightily encouraging that this is an original film. It's not a sequel. It's not a franchise. It's not a tentpole. "Sinners" should offer all of us hope and inspiration that there is still an audience out there for original material if it comes from a well-written screenplay and is produced by an exceptional team of filmmakers.
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Well stated. I planned to see the movie in the theater this weekend. You just encouraged me to buy my ticket early.
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LaDonna Tutt You will not be disappointed!
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I'm excited to see this movie, Brian Smith! Two reasons are the characters and relationships. I don't know if the script is online/will be online, but if it is, I'm looking forward to reading it!
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Glad to hear it. I see a lot of headlines about how movies are struggling
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Not a huge horror fan (especially gore), but everything I’ve read about SINNERS makes me want to run out and see it. It’s also encouraging to see that the movie industry is not dead or dying, and hopefully Coogler’s movie will help studios be more open to taking chances with lesser-known voices and fresh characters and stories.
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Brian, I'm inspired by your post about SINNERS. Didn't know much about this film (and the "trailer" didn't necessarily show how it's not just a Slasher movie...), but your comments about how this film has redefined or outpaced "horror" have piqued my interest. Developing characters and relationships, yes, I think are key, even in so-called "sensational" stories. I also agree that ORIGINAL stories, while perhaps harder to sell, are an exciting endeavor, as they reveal our world in new ways, opening up new possibilities and narratives and vantage points.. I will see this film! Thanks!
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Saw it this weekend and I loved. Everything about it felt totally original. Really an exciting watch and the first act setup is wonderfully crafted
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Just saw it and wow what great writing and drecting. The characters were deep!