Black Upbringing, Legacy, and Spirituality Through the Lens of "Sinners" | Part 2

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! DJ and Reg continue their conversation with Nakeia Medcalf for a rich, SPOILER HEAVY! discussion on Ryan Coogler's latest film "Sinners." The trio brings their unique perspectives as Black Christians, exploring how the movie's treatment of faith, legacy, and the afterlife resonated with their own church upbringings. Nakeia dives into the Pentecostal echoes she felt throughout the film, from musical moments to themes of spiritual "crossing over." At the same time, Reg highlights the nuanced portrayal of family, community, and the southern Black experience. DJ reflects on how the film reawakened childhood memories of Sunday school and why small details like treats and color symbolism matter.

Together, they break down everything from the power dynamics between characters, the significance of southern setting as "character," and the use of imagery like plantation money and juke joints. The conversation also zooms out to examine Coogler's groundbreaking business deal—touching on artistic autonomy, ownership, and legacy in Hollywood. The episode closes with a round of favorite lines, thoughts on representation, and major love for Black creatives telling Black stories.

Resources:
Hannah Beachler and set design inspiration:
https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/sinners-easter-egg-black-panther-howlin-wolf-hannah-beachler-1236378489/

Symbolism and subtext:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/movies/sinners-symbolism.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Hollywood undermining Sinners:
https://www.salon.com/2025/04/26/the-smash-success-of-sinners-could-shift-hollywoods-power-balance/

Key interesting reviews:
https://jacobin.com/2025/04/sinners-coogler-race-history-horror/

https://collider.com/what-should-hollywood-learn-from-sinners-success/

https://andscape.com/features/sinners-movie-brought-us-home-and-refused-to-let-vampires-take-it-from-us/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sinners-box-office-film_n_680abd8be4b031fa917d7773

Ryan Coogler Kodak video: technical discussion - aspect ratio, film stock, and more:
https://reactormag.com/sinners-director-ryan-coogler-explains-film-stock-and-aspect-ratios/

Ruth Carter interview on her process:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a64567733/sinners-ruth-e-carter-costumes-interview-2025/

Easter Eggs and hidden messages:
https://screenrant.com/sinners-secret-details-spotify-explainer/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tp7gnOcGxRA

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It with DJ & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f