Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise: 'Cynus: The Sinners' Premieres Today

The highly anticipated vampire horror film 'Cynus: The Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler, hits theaters today after a successful North American release last month. Set in the 1930s Mississippi Delta, the film explores the roots of discrimination and prejudice within us. Coogler, who gained fame as the youngest director to surpass $1 billion with 'Black Panther' (2018), has received widespread acclaim for this latest project, which debuted at the top of the box office on May 18. It has maintained a position in the top five for seven consecutive weeks, earning praise for its "unique blend of imagination" and being labeled a "masterpiece that transcends genres." Notably, 'Cynus' received an A grade from CinemaScore, marking the first time a horror film has achieved this in the 46-year history of the rating system, surpassing the score of 'It' (B+), which grossed $700 million worldwide.

The film's domestic release comes on the heels of its critical and commercial success, with a predominantly Black cast and a Black director, bolstered by contributions from a Korean production team. Executive producer Rebecca Jo is Korean, and music producer Serina Goransson spent her childhood in Daegu, South Korea, due to her Korean mother. In a video interview on May 25, Coogler expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thanks to the Korean production team, I always feel a connection to Korea," and shared his fondness for Korean cinema, mentioning his first exposure to a Korean film was Park Chan-wook's 'The Handmaiden.' He also sought out screenings of Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' in Los Angeles, emphasizing his desire to create a film that audiences should experience in theaters, just as he sought out Korean films.

'Cynus' poses profound questions about the nature of evil and who the true sinners are. Set against the backdrop of the 1932 Mississippi Delta, a region known for its blues music and plagued by the racial violence of the KKK, the story follows twin brothers who return home to open a bar, only to be confronted by an unexpected visitor that leads to a nightmarish experience. The film intricately weaves symbolism into the popular vampire horror genre, showcasing Coogler's relentless curiosity, cinematic imagination, and cultural insight. It does not merely highlight Black history but transcends race to explore inherent human biases, dualities, hidden desires, and moments of self-discovery through surreal visuals.

The vampires in 'Cynus' are depicted as Irish white characters, a deliberate choice reflecting the historical context of Irish individuals who were not recognized as white in colonial Britain, sharing a similar suffering with Black individuals. Despite this, they seek to drain the essence of Black culture, represented by the blues music. Coogler shared that his script was inspired by memories of his grandfather introducing him to the blues.

One of the film's key elements contributing to its success is its incorporation of blues music, composed by Ludwig Göransson, who has won Academy Awards for his work on 'Black Panther' and 'Oppenheimer.' He is also married to Serina Goransson. A pivotal scene featuring a collective performance invoking spirits draws in the audience with a magical intensity, blending blues with elements from Chinese opera, hip-hop, rap, and ballet.

The film's dramatic effects are enhanced by the use of the Ultra Panavision 70 film camera, known for capturing the chariot sequence in 'Ben-Hur' (1959). With an expansive 2.76:1 aspect ratio, it offers an immersive viewing experience, and some scenes were shot using 1.43:1 IMAX film cameras, creating a seamless blend of formats. In IMAX theaters, viewers are enveloped by a massive screen measuring 31 meters wide and 22.4 meters tall.

Michael B. Jordan's dual role in the film is also noteworthy. He has collaborated with Coogler on all five of his films, and Coogler expressed his eagerness to continue working with him, promising to greet audiences in Korea during the next film's release.