Set in a nondescript small town, The Sinners, formerly known as The Colour Rose, charts the undoing of a popular Catholic school clique. Led by the daughter of the local pastor Grace (Kaitlyn Bernard), the group have garnered the name ‘The Sins’. It’s not the ideal name for students at a religious school, but the girls are empowered by it and decide to fully embrace their sinful counterparts. However, their behaviour draws a dangerous foe who wants to teach the girls a deadly lesson.
The troubles all begin with Aubrey (Brenna Llewellyn), the most studious member of The Sins who wholeheartedly believes every word within the good book. Aubrey does not fit in with the other girls, they only tolerate her because she fits the mantle of pride to a tee, and she only remains with them because of the status the group gives her. After Aubrey confesses some of the girls sinful deeds, the group turn on her and the wicked nature of teenage girls is revealed.
Directed by Courtney Paige, The Sinners is a film that works to fill the void left behind from the heights of the teen horror film. These films were popular at the turn of the millennium, but after a couple of turkeys, the sub-genre receded from the public eye. Saying this, The Sinners isn’t strictly a horror film, it actually shares more in common with a murder mystery, but there’s just something about its essence that screams teenage horror. Given the Catholic school setting, it’s hard not to feel some The Craft vibes when watching The Sinners; witchcraft aside, there are many similarities between the two films. At the hearts of both, they are films about female friendships and the toxicity that they can create, and both films also signify the desire felt by teenagers to belong.
Our murder mystery elements are present immediately, the film being narrated by one of the deceased, a la The Lovely Bones. The story then rewinds from her death to tell the story of what happened. It’s a well utilised stylistic narrative device that allows the viewer insight into the departed character. Alongside her narration, the camera and story opt to focus on the leader of The Sins, Grace. Grace is a complex character, and one that is far more developed than her counterparts. She’s the pastor’s daughter, but does not buy into all the religious idealism that is being forced down her throat. Grace is also struggling with her sexuality, and despite having earned the sin of Lust from her classmates, she’s likely the most pure of the group. With all this attention given to her teenage plight, The Sinners also works as a coming-of-age tale.
Playing on the black and white nature of religious fanatics, Paige favours a similar monochrome colour palette. Our lead cast of teens predominantly wear black, white, or a combination of both. The pops of colour come via the girls choice of lipstick or hair dye. It’s the only outlet of individuality that they have within a town that is crushing their spirits with its blinkered focus on the work of the Lord.
A film which aesthetically and emotionally aligns with The Craft, The Sinners offers a surprising hybrid of teen slasher and crime thriller. They make an interesting concoction when placed together, and whilst potentially not able to fully satisfy a more mature audience, serves as a great gateway film for the youth of today.
The Sinners was reviewed at Arrow Video Frightfest Halloween.
The Sinners
Summary
A film sure to be enjoyed by the younger market that it is targeting, The Sinners however, doesn’t quite have enough to fully satisfy a more mature and genre experienced audience. It does nonetheless remain an entertaining watch that channels some of the teen classics.
