Discover the 35-Year-Old Horror Classic You Must Watch After Sinners

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Ryan Coogler’s movie titled “Sinners” has been receiving widespread praise since its debut. It currently boasts a 98% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and has proven to be a significant box office hit. Intriguingly, the film has already surpassed a remarkable milestone by earning over $200 million globally. The reasons for its success are not hard to fathom. Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who aspire to escape their sinful past and establish a juke joint in their native Mississippi town. However, all is not as it appears, and the brothers must battle relentlessly to seek even a hint of tranquility amidst a community haunted by an age-old malevolence.

In the 1930s, the film “Sinners” may be categorized as a horror story, but it offers so much more. It skillfully combines cultural and racial observations with chilling gothic undertones. This film provokes deep questions about identity and redemption, while simultaneously depicting two brothers battling the vampire menacing their town. The plot is intricate and Jordan’s dual performance provides depth to the storyline. The film’s widespread popularity suggests that audiences are eager for fresh, independently produced narratives rather than franchises. If you’re one of those still yearning for more after watching “Sinners“, perhaps you should consider this 35-year-old horror movie starring Samuel L. Jackson as your next watch.

Campy, Cliche, yet Charming, and the Perfect Watch After Sinners

Def by Temptation, though known for many things, isn’t widely popular. It boasts a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is not generally well-received critically. In fact, it often sparks a love-to-hate reaction among viewers. Given its reputation, it might seem an unusual choice following Sinners, but the transition between the two proves smoother than anticipated, especially considering its all black cast. Directed and written by James Bond III, this film is frequently labeled as a vampire movie. However, it’s actually something quite uncommon – it tells the story of a succubus.

RELATED: Sinners’ Box Office Is Outpacing Almost Every Other Vampire Movie Ever Made

In disguise as seduction and allure, this particular succubus entices black men towards her bed, only to viciously assault and slay them afterwards. The plotline follows a familiar pattern found in many black vampire horror films. Essentially, it’s a battle between the personification of temptation and a resolute young minister. The special effects are decent given its minimal budget, lending an endearing quirkiness to the film. Despite this, the movie maintains a serious tone, which is refreshing. Interestingly, some of the actors have collaborated with Spike Lee in the past, enhancing the overall acting quality.

What makes “Def by Temptation” distinctive is its lighting and framing. The lights give it a gothic ambiance, enhancing the mystery and grisly aspects. Unlike “Sinners“, music doesn’t dominate this movie. However, this doesn’t imply that the film’s soundtrack is poor. In fact, the upbeat R&B tracks contribute to the early ’90s vibe that permeates the production.

To put it simply, “Def by Temptation” isn’t a movie for everyone; it requires a certain level of commitment to media to appreciate its quirks. However, fans of Troma productions will recognize this as one of their best works, as stated by the creator, Lloyd Kaufman himself. It’s important to note that Troma movies are often unconventional or even bizarre. They are products of directors who haven’t found a chance in other studios due to low-budget experimentation. Yet, you don’t have to be a film enthusiast to enjoy the movie. The unique style of Troma films adds depth to their narratives.

Regardless of concerns about its quality, Def by Temptation stands out on its own. Although it’s far removed from 1930s Mississippi, it captures the origins of independent black horror films that reach their zenith in Sinners. Therefore, even if IMDb ratings might discourage you, we strongly recommend tracking down this significant cultural artifact. Just be aware that, while Samuel L. Jackson appears prominently on the DVD covers, his screen time is minimal, less than 15 minutes, but rest assured, you won’t be left feeling let down.

You can now stream Def by Temptation on Prime Video.

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2025-05-06 01:14