Five hidden details in Sinners that make it way deeper than just a horror film

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners isn’t just your average horror flick. It’s moody, myth-soaked and bursting with Southern soul. Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers returning to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where blues and bloodlust collide. But beyond the stylish fangs and gothic dust, there’s a deeper layer of design magic happening, thanks to Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler.

Several easter eggs and hidden meanings are planted throughout the film, Sinners, and once you know what to look for, it’s impossible not to see them.

There is a mystery on your Spotify feed

1911 Celtic Hare article via Spotify

While you’ve been tapping your foot to Ludwig Göransson’s score on Spotify, there’s more hidden meaning than music behind the Sinners movie artist page. Hidden in the about section are three weathered newspaper front pages, miniature clues hinting at key characters’ shadowy pasts. Each paper tells a story: A deserted Irish ship in Boston (Remmick’s spooky entrance), a 1924 Clarksdale bank heist (the twins’ criminal debut), and a Chicago booze war in 1932 (which they likely started). It’s like someone slid a secret scrapbook into your playlist.

The segregated streets in Clarksdale

Bo and Grace Chow's grocery stores were inspired by the Gows, and Min Sang of Clarksdale 1920s and on. pic.twitter.com/D4nWIEbSqE

— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) April 20, 2025

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To recreate downtown Clarksdale, Beachler and her team rebuilt an entire block in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in just “three to four weeks, which was unheard of.” She split the set to reflect Jim Crow segregation, right down to the produce sold and the style of signage. She told Variety, “Different cultures played a big part in the film. I wanted to include Red Hots and King Tamales, things that are part of their history.” The Chinese-American grocer, inspired by real-life Clarksdale figure Min Sang, brought a rarely-seen community into the spotlight.

Sacred symbols above the congregation

Threee crosses, Sammy & his Father are The Father, The Son&The Holy Spirit. The rough sawn beams the crosses hold are exactly 33 inches apart, the age Jesus died, & the number that represents the end
The crossed beams above are for Chadwick, making the Wakanda Forever gesture pic.twitter.com/a9J3afdfr4

— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) April 9, 2025

The farmhouse-style chapel was one of Beachler’s favourite sets. The rafters form an X-shaped cross; a visual homage to Chadwick Boseman and the Wakandan salute. “It was doing the Wakandan gesture in the beams,” she said. Not to mention, those crosses? They’re exactly 33 inches apart, symbolising the age Jesus died, which adds another subtle layer to Sammie’s spiritual turning point.

The juke joint that breathes music

If you think the rust inside and outside the Juke Joint is is just random rust spots….well my friend you may want to look closer……#SinnersMovie pic.twitter.com/vETV4HYS98

— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) April 12, 2025

Here’s where things get deliciously nerdy. Beachler revealed they rusted real metal with boric acid to get that dusty, weathered juke joint look. But the best part? The wall behind the entrance features an equaliser pattern lifted from Smokestack Lightning by Howlin’ Wolf. “That chorus sort of lived in the juke joint and over everyone,” she said. There’s even atmospheric dust kicking up during the big dance scene, nothing faked, all real.

Annie’s haint‑blue haven

#SinnersMovie Annie's House – Built on a location that holds great meaning, where I know the ancestors guided me. Annie's is protected with her haint blue house. She sells meals to sharecroppers and passing workers. Healing herbs and medicines to ward sickness and bad spirits pic.twitter.com/ZkXyPf4O6F

— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) April 8, 2025

Annie’s place is painted in “haint blue,” a spiritual colour tied to Gullah Geechee folklore. “She was the protector in that place,” Beachler said. With Hoodoo details sourced from real experts and prayer cards tucked into rafters, her home feels alive. It feels like it’s holding back the dark. One card even floated down during rehearsal, landing in Michael B. Jordan’s hand. It read: You are where you’re supposed to be. Honestly? Goosebumps.

Every nook of Sinners hums with hidden meaning, folklore and deeply personal touches from Beachler and the team. It’s not just about what you see, it’s what you feel buried underneath. Next time you watch, lean in a little closer. There’s magic hiding in the rust.

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Featured image via Warner Bros