Reasons Why Sinners and Frankenstein Could Win the Oscar for Best Picture

Horror fans are in luck: this year, two horror films are in the running for the Oscar for Best Picture. As if that weren't enough, both films have multiple nominations for this award. This year, Sinners, a gothic horror film, has been crowned the film with the most nominations in Oscar history. This movie received 16 nominations, an absolute record that never ceases to amaze.

Frankenstein, meanwhile, has received nine Oscar nominations, an incredibly high number that demonstrates the impressive quality of the film. The story of the eccentric scientist and his monstrous creature continues to captivate new generations, just as it did in the past.

As a horror fanatic, I believe both Sinners and Frankenstein deserve the Oscar for Best Picture. Here are the reasons why either of these two horror films deserves the highest honor in cinema.

Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a modern adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, exploring the complex relationship between creator and creation. The film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life from death. His ambitious experiment leads to the creation of a Creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, whose tragic existence raises profound questions about humanity, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God.

Frankenstein presents a narrative of exploration, isolation and a tormenting love related to creation, existence and death. This film, which is both heartbreaking and sweetly monstrous, offers us a story organized in chronological order and divided according to the main perspectives of its characters. This provides us with a clear plot to follow, along with the constant and exciting uncertainty that any of the perspectives can drastically change what we think we know about the being, its creator or life.

Victor Frankenstein represents a combination of cynicism, wisdom and desire for power. The ferocity of his project moves away from the carefree and academic vision of his original version, but the effectiveness of the change lies in the narrative course, which reveals the monstrosity inherent in human beings, especially in those who resist accepting the inescapable truths of life, such as rejection and death, which do not always have to be synonymous with annihilation. Oscar Isaac leaves an impression with his exceptional performance of madness, suffering and, surprisingly, also tenderness.

Elordi reflects the awkwardness and innocence of a child who begins to walk and become aware of his body. At first, his way of communicating is limited, clinging to the only thing that makes sense in his early existence: his creator. However, Victor's rejection and other adversities experienced in his relationship with humanity, in keeping with the novel, plunge his innocent conscience into anguish and anger. The transition from innocence and curiosity to fear, anger and loneliness is powerful; even with a make-up that makes him unrecognizable, Elordi presents a deep expression of emotions.

Elizabeth shows great sweetness, along with a genuine awe for life, a warm compassion and a sadness that longs for connection, which Mia Goth interprets with a capacity worthy of her acting level.

This film generates fear, emotion and transformation, just as the book that started science fiction did. It's haunting, touching and one of a kind, created by someone with a singular mind, which is both creepy and tender.

Sinners

Sinners is a Gothic horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta. The story follows two twin brothers, Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore, played by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown after having been involved with gangsters in Chicago. With the intention of opening a juke joint, a music club, they face a supernatural force that threatens their community.

This story explores deep themes such as community, freedom and black identity in America. As the characters confront violence and terror, the complexity of their relationships and the cultural history that unites them is revealed. Sinners combines elements of horror, music and social criticism, offering a rich and provocative cinematic experience that challenges traditional narratives of the genre.

From the beginning, Coogler knew that his intention was to create a horror film, but in a different way and his script stood out for its originality. In the visual aspect, Sinners caught the audience thanks to its choice of a dark and stylized atmosphere, perfectly achieving those elements.

The horror genre, which traditionally has not been well valued by the Academy, this time came to triumph; Sinners presents a perfect balance, from its vampires to the inclusion of combat or dance scenes, immersing the audience in an experience of risk, violence, racism and sin that manages to cross the screen barrier.

The production of this story was exceptional and well recognized. This is reflected in the technical nominations to the Oscars, where Sinners received nominations in all categories, including Best cinematography, production design, sound, editing, visual effects, makeup, hairstyle and costumes.

This horror movie is described as a narrative about longings and professions. Sammie, the young musician brought to life by Miles Caton, represents the struggle between tradition, faith and artistic freedom. At this point, Sinners establishes its emotional essence.

With the arrival of Smoke and Stack, characters played by Michael B. Jordan, the plot takes a turn. The speakeasy is transformed into a place of resistance, music and norm-breaking. Genre cinema enters in a forceful way: vampires, mythology and blues are combined in a bold proposal that adjusts to conventions.

The relationships between the characters also reflect the complexity of identity. Through their interactions, themes of love, betrayal and reconciliation are explored, which adds layers to their understanding of themselves and others. The film shows how shared experiences can bring people together, even in the midst of conflicts and differences

Sinners moves away from being simply a story and becomes a meditation on memory, legacy and cultural continuity. The music unites different generations, and the film solidifies itself as a work that relates to the authentic history of America.

Conclusion

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has historically ignored the horror genre. To date, the only horror film to win the Oscar for Best Picture has been The Silence of the Lambs, released in 1991 and directed by Jonathan Demme. However, that may change. Both Frankenstein and Sinners have more than enough virtues to take the top prize. The horror genre is highly complex and creativity has always fed cinema. Which it is time for thid art to be properly acknowledged again.