It is above all a tribute to the African-Americans (blacks as they were then called) who worked tirelessly in the cotton fields in Mississippi back in the 1930s, to their subjugated existence, to the suffering to which they were inevitably condemned by the prevailing racism, to their longing for freedom through their magical and heartfelt blues and also to their pride, since the characters are anything but submissive.
And this despite the fact that its main protagonists resemble the mobsters of “Chicago 1930s” rather than those of “Uncle Tom's Mackerel”. But Ryan Coogler does not judge his characters, he simply colors their emotions with an omnipresent and captivating music, where even the vampires sing and dance.
And all seasoned through a genre film, a vampire film, contrasting the most irrational of horrors to the most liberating of ecstasies in the same day, with an exciting 20 minutes in which everyone sings and dances in a ramshackle joint as an unusual prelude to the subsequent bloodbath.
Technically it is outstanding and the actors shine with their own light. It should also be noted that it has up to three endings, another singularity.
Few objections should be made. There are moments when it loses some steam, the least, but it still treasures a virtue of good films: things happen even when nothing happens.
This is a horror film that explores complex social issues, such as racism and oppression, through the metaphor of vampires. It follows the story of two brothers who return to their hometown in Louisiana and face a vampire threat that symbolizes the demons of the past.
The film has a striking visual and sonic approach, with a soundtrack that combines elements of blues and gospel to create an atmosphere of oppression and resistance.
The production design is thoughtful, though at times it can feel overloaded with symbolism.
Michael B. Jordan's performance is outstanding, and the supporting cast also delivers strong performances.
The film is a brave and ambitious work that seeks to generate debate and reflection on complex social issues.
