Sinners, helmed by Ryan Coogler, is one of the year’s most essential films for several reasons. Additionally, it’s a wonderful genre-bending film that’s unashamedly Black, and Coogler shocked Hollywood executives by retaining ownership of the film.
Sinners has been one of the most widely discussed movies throughout recent memory, prompting people to share their thoughts on what should have been prevented in the classic vampire drama. Specifically, the controversial scene with Grace Chow, which both the actor and Coogler knew would elicit a strong reaction from moviegoers.
In an earlier Variety piece, Li Jun Li discussed her bond with fellow actors Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and Jayme Lawson. She also stated that Coogler created an operational climate in which she did not feel compelled to minimise herself as an Asian American actress, as she had in previous film ventures. During the interview, Li admitted that she was aware her character would face criticism from fans at a critical scene in the film’s conclusion when she allows Remmick’s increasing vampire swarm into the DJ hole.
Remmick’s assault on Grace’s daughter sparked the famed moment, but several viewers believed Grace’s “crash out” resulted in the deaths of many fan-favourite figures. Li told Variety that she foresaw the criticism of what she called a “morally questionable and controversial decision.” She eventually pulled Coogler away to address the scene. “I said, ‘Why is it that she has not considered anyone else’s lives before doing what she does?” Li reminisced. “And he simply answered, ‘Because she’s a mother.’ There was no other explanation to it.”
Li went on to say that Coogler inserted words into the sequence, with Grace and Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) arguing over seeking out the night instead of fighting.
“That scene didn’t exist initially,” she said. “And I talked to Ryan and said, ‘We need something there because she has very little to show for herself, and when she invites them in, she is going to be absolutely hated. I think we need to remind people a little bit about the context.”
