Scaredy Cat Horror Review: Is Ryan Coogler’s New “Sinners” Movie Safe To Watch? (Plus Tips For Watching)

If you hate horror films, but you’re dying to know if Ryan Coogler’s new “Sinners” movie is scary? This is for you!

Look, if you read my “Sinners” movie review but you’re still not convinced you should see it yet, it’s probably because you hate horror movies, and you’re a scaredy cat just like me. It’s cool … I get it! So if your question of the day is: “Is “Sinners” scary? Like ACTUALLY scary? Or can my Black ass actually sit through this thang without shitting bricks?”

Keep reading!

Every time a Black horror or thriller film gets released I cringe because I know I need to watch it, but I low-key hate them.

And not because I just “hate” all horrors, but because I’m a big scaredy cat!

I don’t hate ALL things horror though. What I really hate is:

• the sight of blood
• seeing or hearing bones breaking
• being startled (aka jumping up outta my seat like I forgot the damn stove on)
• extreme violence (think repeatedly stabbing someone as if they ain’t already dead)
• racial incidents that are sure to trigger any Black person
• watching kids get hurt

And probably a ton of other shit!

But since it’s my duty to you, the culture (and myself) to review Black films all year round, I’m trying to make peace with the fact that this includes horror and thriller!

Here’s A Quick Review Of “Sinners” For Scaredy Cats

Is “Sinners” Scary?

I’ve already seen “Sinners” once, and I’m currently itching to see it again. While this movie ain’t no walk in the park, it’s also not a straight-up nightmare!

You can sleep easy, after watching this one.

• Are there jump scares? Of course.
• Is the sound design creepy? Hell yeah.
• Do white folks as vampires scare me?? Yup.

But “Sinners” is so damn GOOD, it’s almost easy to forget you’re watching a horror film. Like, I coulda watched this without the supernatural stuff and still been glued to the screen. That’s how layered and artful this film is.

But if you don’t like horror, there are a few things to watch out for.

What Actually Bothered Me:

• That sound design is NASTY. It had me jumping out of my seat!
• Blood (lots of it) leaving a few bodies. But it’s easy to look away, close your eyes, or just cringe through.
• Religious trauma. Especially if you grew up in the church and were told music was the devil’s playground.
• Vampire transformation scenes. It’s graphic, and they’re creepy AF.
• A reminder we were once slaves. Yeah, there’s a little bit of “slave work” from that time. It’s not visually traumatic, but it’s one of those things we just hate seeing on screen and need to mentally prepare for.

What You Need To Know Before Watching “Sinners” If You Absolutely Hate Horror Movies:

If you have a fear of:

• Vampires or demonic-looking transformations
• Sudden loud sounds or eerie quiet moments
• Seeing trauma even if it’s not shown (Ryan Coogler keeps it tasteful, but it’s there)

Just be prepared.

Other things to watch out for:

• Racial undertones and lies being sold to Black folks (you know the vibes)
• Some violence, but it feels earned and not gratuitous
• A few “WTF just happened” moments that’ll stick in your head

So … Do I Recommend Watching Ryan Coogler’s New “Sinners” Movie Even If You Hate Horror Flicks?

YES. 1000% YES.

I’d watch this again tonight if I could. It’s that good.

It’s got blues music, root magic, family, love, survival, and vampires?? It’s an easy yes.

The storytelling is on point, the visuals are stunning, and the cast? Baby, the cast is stacked like a plate on Thanksgiving.

• Michael B. Jordan was devious and charismatic, and I loved every minute of it.
• Delroy Lindo had me in my feelings.
• Wunmi Mosaku almost made me cry!

And don’t even get me started on that soundtrack!!

This movie feels like our history, our roots, and our dreams — all wrapped in a fantasy-horror shell that still manages to leave you feeling inspired.

Don’t believe me? Just read my full review of “Sinners” here.

Now Here’s A Few Tips To Get Through “Sinners” If You Plan On Watching It In Theaters

• Pack comfort items: Grab snacks, drinks, a plushie—whatever makes you feel cozy in the chaos.
• Pick an aisle seat in the back (for escape purposes obviously): So you can fake like you’re going to the bathroom if it gets too real. Plus sitting in the back should help lower sound a tad, and make monsters feel like they’re not jumping right at you.
• Go with someone who won’t judge your reactions: You need a no-shame buddy who’ll scream with you or hold your hand without side-eyes.
• Distract yourself during the scary buildup: Chew popcorn dramatically, look at someone else’s shoes, recite the Beyoncé Renaissance tracklist in your head? Whatever helps you not hyperventilate.

Final Thoughts

As someone who grew up religious and was told the music I loved was devil music — “Sinners” hit hard. It was as moving as it was triggering, but I gotta say Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan DID THAT! This is Black fantasy at its finest.

You not in danger girl, you in for the time of yo life!!

• Watch it for: the culture, the blues, (the two sex scenes?), and yes, the vampires
• Fear Level: 3.5/5 – Creepy; Definitely made me nervous, but I wasn’t THAT scared.
• Jump Scare Counter: 5 — They got me 5 times baby! Whew! But oh was it worth it!

Movie Rating: 6/5