Vampirism as a metaphor for white supremacy works so very well. There is so much to say about this movie one could write a thesis about it. I thought it was perfect.
love this perspective! i was thinking of vampirism more as a metaphor for christianity - how white people are convinced that they are “saved” even when they do unspeakable things, and are convinced that they can make things better by “saving” others and brainwashing them to believe that what they do/believe will benefit everyone. not a fully fleshed out though as i literally just left the theater, but i’m loving the whole convo about the themes!
I was looking for this comment! I have an analysis coming out on this, it is a prime example of the concept of “white man’s burden,” believing that they need to save people who aren’t like them!! Amazing take!
I absolutely love how you put it — so thoughtful and deeply felt. I completely agree with you, and honestly, I believe you captured the very heart of the film’s message.
The film "Sinners" paints an incredibly deep and painful metaphor for modern America. Vampires are not merely creatures of folklore here — they represent systems that drain, exploit, and destroy the living energy of society under the guise of salvation or civilization.
American history is full of paradoxes: those who proclaimed themselves "liberators" often became oppressors. Colonialism, slavery, segregation, the violent "enlightenment" of Indigenous peoples, cultural assimilation — all followed the same principle: "We know better. We will save you. Even if it means destroying you."
The vampirism in "Sinners" captures this trauma: the desire to dominate, to parasitize others, while convincing oneself of moral righteousness. The white vampires praying alongside the heroes symbolize the American hypocrisy that, generation after generation, cloaks itself in religious, patriotic, or moral rhetoric.
The film strongly hints: in a society where "salvation" can be a form of enslavement, where the right words don't guarantee purity of heart, anyone can become a sinner. True redemption lies not in declarations but in deep, inner honesty.
The America of "Sinners" is a country that has not yet fully confronted its own shadow. A country where the real battle is not external, but internal: between words and actions, between performative sanctity and true humanity.
You hit it on the head!! A teacher of mine the other day pointed out how in every example in history of white people colonizing, destroying, and obliterating societies around the world, they find a way to morph and change their belief system to make it seem like they are doing these peoples a favor; saving them. Whether that be believing that these people are fundamentally and genetically lesser than them, and because of that, their enslavement is a gift, they will always find a way to be in the right even after seeing the consequences of their destructive ways.
The ideas of eternal life and being together forever has poisoned their minds and they’ve convinced themselves that being dead is the only way, “their way out.” I find it so interesting how brilliant Coogler’s metaphors are and how well they mirror American history. Remmick’s irish backgrounds make him such a complex character and a perfect villain, representing so much in so little time.
I’m seeing the film in a whole new light after thinking about it through the lens of rhythm and algorithm. Coogler captured and emphasized something so profound: the deep cultural difference between African Americans and white Americans.
For Black characters, music and rhythm are a constant presence — not just a background, but an expression and essence of life itself. Their world moves with feeling, improvisation, pulse, and community. In contrast, the white characters operate by cold, rigid algorithms, always calculating, always aiming for a final "prize" — wealth, power, control.
It’s not just a difference in behavior, but in the entire philosophy of existence: living through the rhythm of music versus living through the cold calculation of outcomes. Coogler shows how even today, this stark cultural difference shapes how people move through life — one as a dance of being, the other as a march toward accumulation.
Brilliant, subtle, and haunting once you notice it.
Vampirism as a metaphor for white supremacy works so very well. There is so much to say about this movie one could write a thesis about it. I thought it was perfect.
Absolutely!! I was struggling between making this a review or an analysis. There is so much to dissect!
love this perspective! i was thinking of vampirism more as a metaphor for christianity - how white people are convinced that they are “saved” even when they do unspeakable things, and are convinced that they can make things better by “saving” others and brainwashing them to believe that what they do/believe will benefit everyone. not a fully fleshed out though as i literally just left the theater, but i’m loving the whole convo about the themes!
I was looking for this comment! I have an analysis coming out on this, it is a prime example of the concept of “white man’s burden,” believing that they need to save people who aren’t like them!! Amazing take!
I absolutely love how you put it — so thoughtful and deeply felt. I completely agree with you, and honestly, I believe you captured the very heart of the film’s message.
The film "Sinners" paints an incredibly deep and painful metaphor for modern America. Vampires are not merely creatures of folklore here — they represent systems that drain, exploit, and destroy the living energy of society under the guise of salvation or civilization.
American history is full of paradoxes: those who proclaimed themselves "liberators" often became oppressors. Colonialism, slavery, segregation, the violent "enlightenment" of Indigenous peoples, cultural assimilation — all followed the same principle: "We know better. We will save you. Even if it means destroying you."
The vampirism in "Sinners" captures this trauma: the desire to dominate, to parasitize others, while convincing oneself of moral righteousness. The white vampires praying alongside the heroes symbolize the American hypocrisy that, generation after generation, cloaks itself in religious, patriotic, or moral rhetoric.
The film strongly hints: in a society where "salvation" can be a form of enslavement, where the right words don't guarantee purity of heart, anyone can become a sinner. True redemption lies not in declarations but in deep, inner honesty.
The America of "Sinners" is a country that has not yet fully confronted its own shadow. A country where the real battle is not external, but internal: between words and actions, between performative sanctity and true humanity.
You hit it on the head!! A teacher of mine the other day pointed out how in every example in history of white people colonizing, destroying, and obliterating societies around the world, they find a way to morph and change their belief system to make it seem like they are doing these peoples a favor; saving them. Whether that be believing that these people are fundamentally and genetically lesser than them, and because of that, their enslavement is a gift, they will always find a way to be in the right even after seeing the consequences of their destructive ways.
The ideas of eternal life and being together forever has poisoned their minds and they’ve convinced themselves that being dead is the only way, “their way out.” I find it so interesting how brilliant Coogler’s metaphors are and how well they mirror American history. Remmick’s irish backgrounds make him such a complex character and a perfect villain, representing so much in so little time.
Very well-written article Davia, congrats! 💓
Thank you, Alessia!
I’m seeing the film in a whole new light after thinking about it through the lens of rhythm and algorithm. Coogler captured and emphasized something so profound: the deep cultural difference between African Americans and white Americans.
For Black characters, music and rhythm are a constant presence — not just a background, but an expression and essence of life itself. Their world moves with feeling, improvisation, pulse, and community. In contrast, the white characters operate by cold, rigid algorithms, always calculating, always aiming for a final "prize" — wealth, power, control.
It’s not just a difference in behavior, but in the entire philosophy of existence: living through the rhythm of music versus living through the cold calculation of outcomes. Coogler shows how even today, this stark cultural difference shapes how people move through life — one as a dance of being, the other as a march toward accumulation.
Brilliant, subtle, and haunting once you notice it.