The recently released horror film "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, has garnered attention not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its accurate and respectful portrayal of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. For the tribe, their inclusion in the movie is a "huge deal," marking what some consider the first time their way of life has been genuinely depicted on the big screen.
In a pivotal scene, a group of Choctaw, on horseback and in an old truck, arrive at a farmhouse to warn its inhabitants of impending danger. When their help is refused, one of the Choctaw men wishes them luck in his native language before the group departs. This scene, though brief, has resonated deeply within the Choctaw community.
Cynthia Massey, a cultural consultant for "Sinners" and a key figure at the tribe's Chahta Immi Cultural Center, expressed her appreciation, stating that she had never seen another movie where their language was spoken correctly. Massey, alongside Sherrill Nickey and department director Jay Wesley, were brought on board to ensure the tribe's authentic representation in the film. Their work involved extensive research into the tribe's archives to accurately reflect how their ancestors would have dressed, spoken, and acted in the 1930s, the era in which "Sinners" is set.
Jay Wesley, who also acted in the movie, shared that he felt "honored and humbled" by the filmmakers' commitment to true representation. He played a crucial role in connecting the production team with Choctaw actors and authentic cultural artifacts, including the intricately beaded sashes worn by the Choctaw characters. These sashes are now proudly displayed as part of a "Sinners" exhibit at the Chahta Immi Cultural Center.
The film's introduction further incorporates Choctaw culture through a short snippet of a war chant performed by Jaeden Wesley, Jay Wesley's daughter, who is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Jaeden Wesley recalled that the filmmakers emphasized their desire for the Choctaw people to recognize and hear their own music within the movie. This commitment, according to Jaeden, demonstrated that "we were catering to our own people, even in that short little second."
"Sinners" is a 2025 American supernatural horror film produced, written, and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again where they are confronted by a supernatural evil. The film co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo.
The film's themes have been widely discussed, with some focusing on the sense of community and others focusing on other aspects of the film, but all in all the film has been generally well recieved.
The inclusion of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in "Sinners" highlights a growing emphasis on authentic representation in media. By working closely with tribal members and cultural experts, the filmmakers have not only created a more accurate portrayal but have also provided a platform for the Choctaw people to share their history and culture with a wider audience. This collaboration serves as a model for future productions seeking to respectfully and authentically depict Indigenous communities on screen.
