New Wave Takes 20 Supporters To Experience Ryan Coogler’s Sinners At BFI IMAX

On Saturday evening, New Wave brought 20 members of our amazing community together for a special outing: a screening of Sinners, the powerful new film from acclaimed director Ryan Coogler. The night promised a thrilling cinematic experience and true celebration of storytelling, community, and artistry.

Photography by @filmsfromb

Directed by Coogler, whose name has become synonymous with soulful, socially conscious cinema (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther), Sinners marks another bold step forward. The film explores profound themes of religion, community, and the influence of music, set against a backdrop of interwoven personal journeys. It’s a raw, haunting narrative that interrogates the boundaries between salvation and damnation, between faith and fear.

A standout element of Sinners is the incredible performance by Michael B. Jordan, Coogler’s longtime collaborator and close friend. Jordan, who previously shone under Coogler’s direction in Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, delivers a career-defining turn by portraying not just one, but two distinct characters. His dual role showcases a staggering range of emotional depth, adding new layers to his already impressive body of work. For many of us, Jordan’s portrayal brought a newfound level of respect for his craft, revealing dimensions even his most brilliant past roles had only hinted at. Central to Sinners are the twin characters Smoke and Stack, played masterfully by Michael B. Jordan. Coogler uses these two brothers as the emotional anchor for the entire film, two sides of the same coin, grappling with faith, loyalty, and the weight of community expectations in very different ways.

Stack is the wilder, more volatile of the two, charismatic but dangerously underestimated, haunted by a past he can't quite outrun in the shape of his love interest. Smoke, in contrast, is the more reserved, disciplined brother, burdened with responsibility and a deep, often painful connection to the city that shaped their upbringing. Through them, Coogler paints a powerful portrait of how two lives, born in the same circumstances, can be shaped in opposite ways by the forces of love and loss.

Our screening was held at the prestigious BFI IMAX,  one of the biggest IMAX screens in Europe,  which made the night feel even more special. A privilege to experience Sinners in the only venue outside of the USA screening SINNERS in this format besides 15/70mm print. The evening began around 7pm, with our film crew trickling in, catching up, and getting acquainted before making our way up the grand staircase to the screening area. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, with many members eagerly chatting about their expectations. Interestingly, several attendees mentioned it would be their second or even third time seeing Sinners, a testament to the film’s commercial success and remarkable rewatch value. The rave reviews Sinners has garnered on respected film platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic and Letterboxd were reflected in the energy of our group.

As we grabbed our snacks and popcorn, readying ourselves for the immersive experience, it became clear how much the 70mm IMAX format elevated the anticipation. Watching a film like Sinners in IMAX was about being witness to the  depth, clarity that Director Ryan Coogler and DoP Autumn Durald Arkapaw pulled right into the world so carefully. Every subtle facial expression, every musical cue, every moment of tension felt magnified and immediate, drawing us closer to the heart of the story.

Once seated, the screening room quickly filled to the brim. When the film began, you could feel the collective breath being held, the opening scene alone had us fully immersed. Throughout the runtime, the film club revelled in Sinners’ many moments of fright, humour, and intimate human connection. Many pointed to the way Sinners handled religious imagery, neither wholly critical nor blindly reverent,  sparking deep conversations about faith, morality, and the communities that shape us. The role of music, both diegetic and in the score, was also a major talking point, with several attendees praising how it heightened the emotional weight of key scenes and developed the story organically.The IMAX experience was a key element in wrapping us inside the narrative, making each jump scare sharper, each quiet moment heavier, and each musical motif more stirring.

​​After the final credits rolled, our group naturally split into small circles, buzzing with conversation. The energy was electric as everyone shared their immediate reactions. Many praised Michael B. Jordan’s performance, with one attendee noting, "he really showed another level, I was blown away by how different both characters felt." Others spoke about Coogler’s powerful storytelling, saying, "The movie was truly a feat by Coogler; cinematography on point too I think you have to watch it very closely too catch on some of the references he was making but all in all really recommend!", another attendee mentioned "I saw I clip of Ryan Coogler saying because it was shot on a 70mm lens it was made for IMAX and I could really see the difference as it was my second time...it’s like I was really there with Sammy, Smoke and Stack." The impact of the IMAX experience was extreamly impactful, with one comment perfectly summing it up: "I’d seen the film before in a regular cinema, but watching it in 70mm IMAX was absolutely incredible, such a game changer!"

​​As the night wrapped up, many of our attendees expressed just how grateful they were for the experience, not just for seeing Sinners on one of Europe's biggest screens, but for sharing it with a like-minded community. One of our attendees broke down the event by saying “It was good to be able to chop it up after the film and hear everyone’s takes and thoughts…What stood out to me was the community vibe, we got to see the film so soon after opening weekend so we got to experience the hype in real time. In regards to the film there were some really talented actors! Ryan and Michael B Jordan have worked on a number of films together but this might be the best one. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them both.”

Several mentioned plans to watch the film again, recognising that Coogler’s layered storytelling, rich symbolism, and emotional depth deserve a second (or even third) viewing to fully digest. With Sinners screenings at the BFI IMAX running only until 30th April, we highly recommend grabbing a ticket while you still can. Experiencing the film’s breathtaking visuals, haunting soundscape, and powerful performances in this format makes it a memory you won’t forget.