The story begins with two brothers returning to Mississippi in 1932. They want to open a juke joint. Beneath that, it is about music and the power of the blues. It is also about love: love lost, love found and love that can never happen.
Then it shifts into a full vampire movie with blood, guts and real fear. The whole story takes place in one day, the way Coogler mixes everything and makes it hold together is impressive.
The 24 hours start with Sammie who stumbles into a church covered in blood and barely alive. His father, the pastor, tells him to drop the broken guitar he holds. Coogler takes his time. Then the vampires arrive.
The ending is wild and better left unsaid. Still, it is worth noting that only Coogler would think of vampires singing old Irish folk songs. The big fight delivers and pays off.
Many critics have said the film works because of its mix of styles. It is part family drama, part musical and part horror film. Some thought it should have chosen one path, but most agreed the clash is what makes it fresh.
Others praised the acting. The cast brings raw energy, but the real star of the film is the music, the blues numbers hit with emotion and ground the story in its time. The Irish songs from the vampires add a haunting note that lingers after the film ends.
I thought the film was fine. I got bored at times, especially during the first half, but I can see why people are excited about it. It’s filmed on film, not digital, and large format. That is partly what makes some filmmakers like Christopher Nolan so beloved in the industry. It’s harder to make a movie on film, but it always has a different feel about it than digital (not to me). Two Best Picture winners in a row were shot on Film, Oppenheimer and Anora.