The vampires in Sinners follow plenty of common rules from mythology and lore, but one lesser-known rule became an essential part of the film’s success. Ryan Coogler’s vampire movie is a wholly original story. While vampires themselves aren’t anything new, the setting, themes, and musical aspects make Sinners a unique and riveting experience.

Original films with mᴀssive commercial success are seemingly becoming a rarity in Hollywood, but Sinners managed to break through to mainstream audiences. The Michael B. Jordan-led film has grossed over $360 million at the worldwide box office and is the highest-grossing original film this decade. It appeals to a diverse crowd, including horror enthusiasts, film buffs, and music lovers.

The film’s vampires have become popular among viewers on social media, partly because of one of their most essential rules. In Sinners, vampires can’t enter any building without being invited by one of its inhabitants. It’s an old rule that has been a part of vampire lore for a long time, but the movie uses it expertly, creating much of the film’s tension and humor.

Why Vampires Cannot Enter The Juke Joint In Sinners

The Vampires Need An Invitation

In Sinners, the vampires follow many rules established in other stories and legends. They cannot be in the sun for too long without turning to dust, can be killed using wooden stakes, and can be warded off using garlic. However, there are some less common vampire rules that make the film’s bloodsuckers feel unique.

An essential rule they follow that is crucial to the film’s plot is that the vampires cannot enter a building without an invitation. This is first established when Remmick approaches Bert and Joan while escaping from the Chocktaw Tribe. He can’t go in, but convinces the couple that his life is in danger. After members of the juke joint are transformed, they can’t return unless invited in.

This rule isn’t as well-known as others, but it has been used in modern vampire projects, like What We Do in the Shadows and The Vampire Diaries. It was popularized by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, where Count Dracula must be invited to enter one’s home. Still, it’s never been a rule that many modern vampire stories utilize fully.

Sinners Uses This Vampire Rule To Its Full Advantage

The Rule Creates Suspense And Humor

The vampires’ need for an invitation is one of Sinners‘ best aspects. Before the main characters figure out what’s happening, it’s stressful to watch Remmick and his crew trying to get in, since the audience knows who is a vampire before the twins and the others do. The climax hinges on this rule, as the survivors are safe and can plan before Grace ultimately invites them in.

It also leads to the film’s funniest scene where Cornbread tries to get back into the joint after turning. It’s a suspenseful sequence, but also hilarious as Cornbread fails to convince any of them that he’s still alive. This scene is one of the film’s most popular, and has been recreated frequently on social media. Without this rule, it’s hard to know if Sinners‘ vampires would be as memorable.