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Hailee Steinfeld’s latest role in Sinners offers a unique and deeply personal connection, despite playing an undead character. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the horror film is set in 1930s Mississippi and features Steinfeld as Mary, a multiracial vampire navigating the racial tensions of the American South. The film, which premieres in theaters on April 18, is not just a horror story for Steinfeld; it serves as a reflection on her own heritage and family history.
Steinfeld, who is of Black and Filipino descent on her mother’s side, shared that playing Mary brought unexpected emotions to the surface and sparked numerous questions about her family’s past. “It had such an impact on me personally,” Steinfeld said in a conversation with People. “Therefore, I feel like the least it can do is make an impact on those that watch it.” Her role in Sinners prompted her to connect with her family’s history, especially memories of her grandfather, and she reflected on how she wished he were alive to help answer the many questions the film raised during production.
Director Ryan Coogler also brought a deeply personal touch to the film, citing the loss of his Uncle James, who was from Mississippi. Coogler’s childhood experiences at his uncle’s house, where they bonded over blues music, played a significant role in shaping the movie. He described how listening to those blues records after his uncle’s passing helped him feel as though he were still in the presence of his late uncle, especially when the music was loud enough in a dark room.
In addition to Steinfeld’s emotional journey, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both World War I veterans who return to their hometown to open a blues club. However, they soon uncover a supernatural threat lurking in their community, adding a layer of terror to the emotional and cultural themes of the film.
With its mix of personal grief, cultural heritage, and the supernatural, Sinners promises to be more than just a horror film. For Steinfeld, the project was not only an exploration of her own roots but also a way to share that emotional journey with the audience. She hopes the film resonates with viewers as deeply as it did with her, offering more than just scares but also a powerful exploration of identity and history.