· · ·
turning to page one
turning to page one
Sinners · written by Ryan Coogler · 2025
Scene 14 of 110 · ≈ 2 min on screen · Act one
In 1932 Mississippi, gifted sharecropper-bluesman Sammie Moore wants to make a life in the blues beyond his preacher father's rules, but the opening night of his cousins' juke joint becomes a siege by a vampire offering the community belonging at the price of its freedom.
A match illuminates woodcuts of musicians summoning the dead, then a red-eyed figure appears at the window.
Sammie searches the family shack for the guitar he needs for the night's music.
Sammie confronts Ruthie about the missing guitar and learns it was taken to church.
Sammie approaches the praise house angry, then steadies himself before going inside.
This scene
It is a modest church. Seated in the front row, Sammie’s father, JEDIDIAH (Black, Late 40s) reads from the bible.
SAMMIE
Mornin’ Pop.
JEDIDIAH
Up awful early, son.
SAMMIE
Like you say... jump on the work,
don’t let the work jump on you.
Finished our quota for the day. I
was wondering if you seen my
guitar.
He walks closer to the pulpit, and he sees his GUITAR (Wood with a shiny grey metal resonator) leaned up against it, and his SLIDE next to his father’s Bible.
JEDIDIAH
I brought it here so we can
prepare for tomorrow. I figure we
can start with the young ones
singing a song. You can lead em.
SAMMIE
What song you thinking?
JEDIDIAH
This little light of mine?
Sammie walks over and picks up his guitar. Grabs his slide, and slips it onto his finger. Begins to play.
SAMMIE
(blues version)
This little light of mine, I’m
gonna let it shine, this little
light of mine, I’m gonna let it
shine, this little light o f mine,
I’m gonna let it shine, let it
shine, let it shine, let it shine-
JEDIDIAH
What was that?
SAMMIE
Just spiced it up a bit. Make it
fun for the congregation.
JEDIDIAH
It’s seasoned enough as is.
Sammie takes a breath.
SAMMIE
Pop I don’t need to practice none
of this. I know these old church
tunes like the back of my hand.
JEDIDIAH
Well never-mind the music. I want
you to help me give my sermon
tomorrow.
Sammie is confused. Jedidiah beckons his son over to him.
JEDIDIAH (CONT’D)
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
Sammie reluctantly takes his place at the podium.
SAMMIE
“No temptation has overtaken you
except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; he will not
let you be tempted beyond what you
can bear.”
Sammie closes the book.
SAMMIE (CONT’D)
(from memory)
“But when you are tempted, he will
also provide a way out so that you
can endure it.” Pop if you don’t
mind, I’m gon' be late.
JEDIDIAH
Late to what, boy? Where you got
to go that’s more important than
being in this house of God?
(off Sammie’s silence)
To play music for drunkard s and
philanderers? Who shirk their
responsibility to they families to
sweat all over each other?
SAMMIE
I been working all week pop. I
just want to be free of all this
for a day. I’ll be back in time
for church in the morning.
Sammie heads towards the door, guitar in hand.
JEDIDIAH
Son.
Sammie stops.
JEDIDIAH (CONT’D)
You keep dancing with the devil...
one day he gon' follow you home.
Sammie wants to respond, but he hears the sound of a car pulling up and decides against it. He exits to-