Beyond the Bite: How “Sinners” Subverts Vampire Tropes with Powerful Female Characters
Ryan Coogler’s Southern vampire thriller, “Sinners,” now streaming on Max, has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning $365 million at the worldwide box office in the first half of 2025. But beyond the striking visuals and the dual performance of Michael B. Jordan as the Smokestack twins, a key element driving the film’s success is its nuanced and compelling portrayal of women. Moviegoers and critics alike have noted that “the women of ‘Sinners’ devoured,” and rightfully so. The film distinguishes itself by moving beyond archetypes, offering complex female characters with agency, depth, and storylines that resonate long after the credits roll.
A New Kind of Vampire Story
“Sinners” has sparked widespread discussion, not just for its genre-bending approach—incorporating elements of Southern Gothic, the blues (with a cameo by legendary musician Buddy Guy), and innovative Imax filmmaking—but also for its refusal to be easily categorized. As one source noted at the film’s NYC premiere, “It’s a movie with vampires and a whole lot of other stuff. [Ryan is] saying a lot, and I think it’s worth everybody exploring all of what he has to offer.” This originality extends to its characterization, particularly in how it presents its female leads.
Agency and Interiority: The Core of the Female Narrative
The film’s strength lies in granting each woman “a clear point of view and a clear storyline of their very own,” as Hailee Steinfeld observed while reflecting on Coogler’s script. This isn’t a story where female characters merely react to the male protagonists’ journeys; they drive the narrative with their own desires, motivations, and complexities. Steinfeld’s character, Mary, and Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie, are both romantically linked to the Smokestack twins, Stack and Smoke, respectively, but their stories extend far beyond these relationships.
Annie, for example, is a deeply respected Hoodoo practitioner grappling with profound grief after the loss of her infant. Mary navigates the intricate challenges of being a biracial woman who can “pass” as white while simultaneously being deeply in love with a Black man. Jayme Lawson’s Pearline, a singer who captures Sammie’s attention, carries the weight of a past trauma—having been forced into marriage with an older man. And Li Jun Li’s Grace Chow, the local shopkeeper, makes a pivotal, controversial decision to protect her daughter, setting the stage for the film’s dramatic climax.
The Transformative Power of Storytelling
The impact of these roles extended beyond the screen for the actresses themselves. Steinfeld shared that playing Mary prompted a deep dive into her own family history, specifically her grandfather’s experiences as a half-Black man. “I wish that my grandfather was still here so that I could call him and ask him all the questions that came up within these family conversations,” she confessed.
Mosaku found a profound connection to her heritage through her portrayal of Annie. “I felt more connected to my motherland, my mother tongue,” she explained, noting that her years of studying Yoruba finally “stuck” as she embodied the character. She added that Annie’s strength and groundedness inspired her to confront her own feelings of imposter syndrome.
Li Jun Li drew upon her own experiences as a pet owner to access the fierce maternal instinct driving Grace’s actions. “I went to hell and back to try and save my fur baby, Toto,” she said, explaining how that primal drive informed her performance.
Love, Loss, and the Forbidden
The film explores the complexities of love, particularly in a time and place where certain connections are forbidden. Steinfeld highlighted the power of the connection between Mary and Stack, noting that their love offers “a glimpse of what that forever could look like.” She observed that Stack’s subtle gestures—often not looking at Mary—speak volumes about his internal conflict and his growing desire to be with her. This dynamic, driven by love and acceptance, provides a hopeful counterpoint to the darker elements of the story.
Ultimately, “Sinners” is a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and the importance of representing diverse experiences on screen. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, but instead embraces them with sensitivity and depth, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and profoundly moving. Michaela Zee contributed to this story. This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
