Sinners has made its debut in theaters this weekend, and acclaimed director Ryan Coogler has unveiled an unexpected connection to the legendary metal band Metallica, revealing how their music influenced the film’s creative direction. Coogler, who initially gained recognition for his poignant storytelling in Fruitvale Station—which depicts the tragic death of Oscar Grant in 2009—has once again intertwined his artistic vision with his roots in Oakland through the iconic sounds of Metallica.

In an insightful conversation with the San Francisco Chronicle, Coogler disclosed that one particular song from Metallica deeply inspired his vision for Sinners. He specifically highlighted the track “One” from the album …And Justice for All, drawing attention to its haunting lyrics: “Darkness imprisoning me / All that I see / Absolute horror / I cannot live / I cannot die / Trapped in myself / Body my holding cell.” These words resonated with him, shaping the emotional landscape of the film.

“I wanted the movie to feel like a song, so I used Metallica’s ‘One,’” Coogler elaborated, indicating the profound impact of music on his narrative approach. The director described the structure of both the film and the song, stating, “It starts off intense, then gets melodic,” highlighting the emotional journey that unfolds throughout Sinners and its musical counterpart. He compared the climax of both, noting that they lead to a chaotic yet inevitable resolution.

When asked about his affinity for Metallica, Coogler confessed that he is indeed a fan but admitted that he discovered their music later in life. However, he has formed a tangible connection with the band, as he revealed that drummer Lars Ulrich contributed to the film’s score, further intertwining the worlds of cinema and music.

Metallica’s Iconic Track “One”

Explore the Captivating Story of Sinners

The film features the talented Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, portraying twins Smoke and Stack. These siblings return to their small Mississippi hometown after living in Chicago, with aspirations of opening a vibrant juke joint. However, their dream is met with resistance from the local white population. In a significant turn of events, they manage to unite the Black and Asian communities in their endeavor, only to confront an unexpected challenge in the form of a group of vampires, adding a thrilling twist to their venture.

Alongside Jordan, the cast includes notable actors such as Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo, all of whom contribute to the film’s rich tapestry of storytelling. For those interested, the trailer for Sinners is available below, showcasing the film’s dynamic visuals and engaging narrative.

Watch the Exciting Sinners Trailer