Writer/director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan have teamed up again for this artistic cultural take on a vampire thriller. Jordan plays twin brothers, who return from their criminal life in Chicago to their small hometown in 30s Mississippi. They open a juke joint to bring their community together for a night of celebration, but the bloodsuckers appear to create havoc. None of the thriller elements happen until more than an hour into the movie. Coogler spends the time to set up the relationships and create the social environment. The performances are strong and Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s cinematography adds a rich visual element that contributes to the “art” side of this film. Anyone hoping for the traditional vampire thriller will be disappointed. When the attacks do start, they’re noisy and bloody without much focus. The big “dance” number that fuses blues with other influences is a delightfully surprising interlude. Thru it all, Coogler’s confident hand tells a compelling story that’s more about the culture than the horror. NOTE: There’s one important additional sequence after the early credits and another musical moment at the end. 
(3.5 / 5)
