The release of Sinners has been out for a while now, and it’s high time to discuss the film’s most iconic and impactful scene. The pivotal moment when Sammie (Miles Caton) brings light to the juke joint owned by his twin cousins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) is truly unforgettable. This scene not only lifts the spirits of everyone present but also resonates with the energy of those who came before and those who will come after.

Wunmi Mosaku, who co-stars as Annie, Smoke’s estranged wife, recently sat down with the Hollywood Reporter to talk about this scene. She shared her insights on how it provided her with a deeper understanding of Annie’s character, revealing that Annie wasn’t destined for a bad fate.

Mosaku recalled that the scene wasn’t part of the film initially, but it was added just before the script read-through. “The script I received two days before the read-through included the past and future ancestors in the scene, and I got chills,” she remembered. “That extra detail made me think, ‘Wow, this man is a genius.’ Ryan Coogler’s brilliance elevated the script, making it even more powerful.”

She described filming the scene as an experience that will stay with her forever. “We shot it over two days. The first day was the exterior at night, with a lot of technical aspects due to the fire and crane. I keep describing this experience as magical, and it truly was. Everyone was joyful, hyped, and excited on set, and seeing all the acrobats, stunt people, and dancers blew us away.”

Mosaku continued, “The second day of filming came weeks later, and it was a more intimate experience. There was less fire, fewer bugs, and many beautiful moments. I brought my family to set, including my daughter, husband, and in-laws. I thought it would be powerful for her to see these people representing her ancestors from before and after.”

“It was truly powerful. Papa Toto, the older man who plays the precursor to the banjo behind Sammie, talked to Miles off-camera. What he was passing on to Miles was the same sentiment that Delta Slim passed on to Sammie in an earlier scene. I was so moved that I needed to capture the moment. It was meta, as they discussed where his gift comes from: the motherland, his ancestors, and his purpose with this gift. This entire journey has been incredibly powerful.”

The Hollywood Reporter also asked Mosaku if she thought Annie’s fate, having her love drive a stake through her heart, was the right choice. Mosaku reflected, “Annie believed that the vampiric fate is wicked, as they never see the sun, feel the warmth of a sunrise, or rejoin their ancestors, which is part of the right and righteous cycle. To forever live on earth, in a place with conflict, pain, and sorrow, is not her goal.”

The scene is heartbreaking, paying off when Smoke sees Annie and their child as he crosses over at the moment of his own death. This occurs after he intentionally removes the protection of her mojo bag, as many have interpreted the choice. “That’s exactly how I read it. He has no one left – no brother, no partner, no baby. So, what would be the point of continuing her protection? There’s also a bit of guilt, as he wonders why it works for him and no one else.”

Sinners is currently in theaters.

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