Why Isn't the Media Celebrating Sinners’ Wunmi Musako as Annie?
There is Too Much Beauty in “Sinners” to Focus On One Leading Lady
“Sinners” is an excellent, beautifully made film starring a plethora of equally beautiful people.
Heartthrob Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers “Smoke” and “Stack”, young men with a penchant for both crime and entrepreneurism. The nuances of each performance are Oscar-worthy, but on a carnal level, it gives audiences double the exposure to the “Creed” star’s dazzling smile and sculpted muscles.
Over on TikTok, they’re understandably thirsting over edits of “Bo,” the Chinese American store owner and an unrepentant ally in the Mississippi town that serves as the setting. Equal attention is emerging for Irish-born vampire and semi-sympathetic villain, Jack O'Connell as “Remmick.” The vamp with an alluring singing voice and a mean jig to go with it gives “Black Panther’s” Killmonger a run for his money with his charismatic approach to “turning” potential victims with talk of racial harmony and unity.
When it comes to the women of “Sinners,” most of the media attention has gone to Hailee Steinfeld, portraying “Mary,” the white-passing love interest of Stack’s. If you were to watch the press tour alone, you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that Steinfeld plays an outsized role in the film as she and Jordan’s smoldering chemistry has been noted during various red carpet moments, as well as a flirty episode of “Hot Ones” (no additional pun intended).
However, just as Smoke and Stack hold nearly equal screen time, so do their love interests. In fact, I’d argue Smoke’s paramour had more screen time.
You wouldn’t know it due to the short shrift being paid to “Annie,” played by the incomparable Wunmi Musako, standout star on both Disney Plus “Loki” and one of my all-time favorites, Max’s “Lovecraft Country.” The disparity even fueled a spirited debate in Spike Lee’s Instagram comments. Check out the post and go straight to the comments HERE.
Looks are highly subjective, but it is clear that colorism– not the weakly suggested “popularity” of Steinfeld versus Musako– plays a large part in the disparate mainstream media and some audience reception to the latter’s beautiful mahogany skin, gorgeous facial features and (also) smoldering chemistry with Smoke.
And let’s not mince words since Jordan’s biceps are part of the conversation: Musako’s body is not only tea, it’s English breakfast.
Yet, TikTok search results are dominated by the “Mary” moments.
Quick searches on the popular Tenor and Giphy platforms reveal most of the imagery is “Mary” doing a sexy shimmy…
Or backing it up on Stack…
Despite her own sultry scenes, and an ethereal appearance at the end, a three-shot of Sammie, Smoke and Annie preparing to do battle are among the sparse scenes featuring the more-than-deserving co-lead. They have far more to work with than that.
(Thanks to my super sis, Kozi Kyles for creating these gifs on her own.)
At least one bonehead on TikTok had the nerve to note that they thought that Annie was Smoke and Stack’s mother. Perhaps this viewer ought to hit the Warby Parker app or a local LensCrafters to get their vision checked before their next moviegoing experience.
The touching love scene between Annie and Smoke when they reunite, and the reciprocal “ride or die” nature of their relationship is a critical piece of this powerful, and near-perfect film. And as female characters should not be defined solely by a romantic connection, it is also important to point out that Annie’s spirituality, discernment and intellect are the literal key to unlocking the precise nature of the threat facing Smoke, Stack, their friends and the patrons of their fledgling jook joint.
There is so much to enjoy and unpack in “Sinners,” from segregation to Choctaw vampire hunters to the sadness and beauty of the blues. As a Chicagoan, I damn near stood up in the AMC theater when my city (both its good and bad elements) took part in the plot. My connection is even closer in that my mother hails from Mississippi where the majority of the action takes place. An entire masterclass could be taught on this film and its references.
But as it comes to the (admittedly) surface subject of its cast, the media treatment is not so difficult to deconstruct.
Trust, I don’t want to sound like a “Severance” supervisor, asking audiences to enjoy each lead equally. But if you’re heading for your first watch, second or even third, please pay careful attention to Musako’s powerhouse portrayal and appreciate both the beauty in it, and her.
It’s simply a sin not to.
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You know I can’t leave you without some other recommendations. Here’s a list of some of my other favorite vampire films and series.
BLADE: The titular day-walking character (come through, Wesley Snipes) is the power behind this film, but Stephen Dorff is both hilarious and chilling as his bloodsucking foil.
LOST BOYS: This teen angst-meets-demonic cult is a classic for a reason. And if you think Sinners’ vamps are fine, Billy Wirth’s character wouldn’t need to ask me twice for that critical vampire “invite.”
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN: Vampire children are always controversial because their innocent looks belie the demon inside. The original is my go-to for this eerie, yet touching coming-of-age tale.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE: Louie and Claudia are immaculately reimagined as Black in this prestige TV retelling of Anne Rice’s iconic book series and the ‘90s film it inspired. This cultural nuance lends so much to the tale and an intriguing dynamic with one of the best villains to ever do it: Lestat, Lestat, Lestat. (You’ll have to watch this AMC+ standout if you want to get the joke on the repetition of his name.)
TRUE BLOOD: The characters of Lafayette, Pam, the King of Mississippi Russell Edgington and Eric Northman CARRIED this adaptation of the popular novels. Worth a watch (or rewatch) for a swampy, soapy good time.
