Where did the vampires come from in Sinners? Exploring the folklore and its connection to Remmick's backstory

It has been less than a week since Ryan Coogler's Sinners was released in theaters, but it has already led to a range of discussions, from its amalgamation of genres to music to cultural identities. The more you try to unpeel its layers, the more details you can find. Whether as an investigation of history or an intoxicating supernatural horror flick, it satisfies the viewer on multiple fronts. While following the twin brothers trying to build their business, the narrative becomes an immersive experience, thanks to its music.

Ranging from blues to rock, the film blends all sorts of genres of music across its runtime. While the black community rejoices inside the juke joint, the vampires sing their tunes outside their establishment. Remmick takes center stage as his minions join him to sing Rocky Road to Dublin. That reveals his Irish identity in the Jim Crow-era American West. However, the film doesn't tell nearly anything else about his past.

The viewers meet Remmick only when he knocks on the door of Klansmen while trying to run away from the Native vampire hunters, leaving his backstory open for interpretation. So, let's break down his origins as a vampire as an Irish immigrant based on what the film reveals otherwise.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Ryan Coogler's Sinners. Reader discretion is advised.

The origins of vampires in Sinners explored in relation to Remmick's backstory

Jack O'Connell as Remmick in Sinners (Image via YouTube/@WarnerBros)

In conventional folklore, people get turned into vampires after they are bitten in the neck. However, in Sinners, they get turned regardless of where they are bitten on their body. There's a scene where Cornbread tries to turn Smoke into a vampire by biting into his arm. Aside from that deviation from the lore, the vampires in Sinners retain their memories and personality after they get turned. We see that reflected in Mary and Stack, more than once, even decades later, when they meet Sammie.

On the other hand, Coogler's script uses some aspects of traditional vampire lore. In his story, vampires can enter a space only if and when they are invited in. They can be killed by sunlight or a wooden stake, but can only be pacified with the help of garlic or holy water. In addition to that, they do not age or die unless exposed to sunlight or a stake. While all vampires have a sharp, piercing gaze, Remmick appears far more powerful than others, who can levitate and fly. So, even if the film doesn't mention his age, he appears to be at least a few centuries old.

The Irish Origins of Remmick: Here's what Jack O'Connell says about his vampire character

The European Premiere of 'Sinners' in London - Source: Getty

Aside from being a vampiric horror-thriller, Sinners is also about a clash of identities, whether ethnic or racial. The main antagonist, vampire Remmick, is Irish, but he occasionally uses Southern twang while speaking. During an interview with GQ, Jack O'Connell spoke about the complicated history of his character and shed light on his Irish origins in connection to the American South.

"I think it's beautifully handled. Obviously, by virtue of me dad [who was from Ballyheigue in County Kerry], the Irish story is something that is, and always has been, interesting to me. My understanding [is that Ireland's] biggest export is people. Just to understand the influence that had on the American South at this particular time, and how that found its way into the music there, was something I know that Ryan's savvy to, and I think part of the reason for Remmick being from Ireland."