You Won’t Believe Why Smoke Couldn’t Roll His Own Cigarettes

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In the gritty world of Sinners, a seemingly trivial detail like the protagonist’s inability to roll his own cigarettes serves as a profound insight into his character. At first glance, Sinners appears to be just another film about a band of individuals battling vampires. However, it transcends this simple premise, delving into complex themes such as race, oppression, camaraderie, and family. Given the depth and nuance that director Ryan Coogler has infused into his previous works like Creed and Black Panther, this intricacy shouldn’t come as a shock.

The critiques for the movie “Sinners” have been outstanding, with Ebaster’s Mae Abdulbaki awarding it a 9 out of 10. Not only is it one of Ryan Coogler’s top films, but “Sinners” also stands as one of Michael B. Jordan’s finest performances on screen. In this horror flick, Jordan portrays twin brothers known as Smoke and Stack. Right from the start, it’s evident that they do everything in tandem. However, by the climax of “Sinners”, they are separated, which intensifies the heart-wrenching scene where Smoke can no longer roll his own cigarettes.

Stack Always Rolled Smoke’s Cigarettes

Smoke Needed Stack By His Side In Sinners

At the onset of “Sinners”, it’s made clear that Smoke and Stack have come back to their humble Mississippi town following extended stints with both the Italian and Irish criminal organizations in Chicago. The specifics of their time spent there are left vague, but it’s apparent they engaged in theft from both groups. Despite this, neither Smoke nor Stack seem concerned about being apprehended and instead are eager to begin a fresh chapter in Mississippi. This is why, as the film begins, they acquire an old sawmill.

In a scene outside the sawmill later in the evening, Smoke requests a cigarette from Stack. Stack obliges by rolling a cigarette for Smoke and passing it to him. Though some might consider this an insignificant moment, it provides insight into both characters. The subtle interaction between Smoke and Stack, where they barely exchange glances, suggests that Stack frequently helps his brother in this way.

In the middle of the movie Sinners, the brothers part ways following an unfortunate incident where Stack gets bitten by Mary and transforms into a vampire. Come the climax, Smoke and his young relative Sammie make it through until dawn to torch Remmick and the rest of the vampires. However, Smoke refuses to slay his brother and lets him get away. Post their harrowing ordeal, Smoke sends Sammie off while he stays back to confront the Ku Klux Klan members who sought to end both him and his sibling’s lives. As he waits for them, Smoke struggles to craft a cigarette on his own.

Sinners’ Ending Suggests Smoke Not Rolling His Cigarettes Is Due To PTSD

Smoke Fought In The First World War

After Sammie departs and Smoke finds himself at the sawmill on his own, he’s observed quivering uncontrollably as he grapples with the night’s events. Prior to the arrival of the KKK, Smoke slumps down and attempts to make a cigarette to soothe his jitters, but fails without Stack nearby. This minor detail underscores the sadness of Stack’s transformation into a vampire, as Smoke seems incomplete without his brother by his side.

It’s clear that at the end of the movie, Smoke shakes due to the emotional turmoil he’s just gone through. However, it’s also suggested that he struggles with PTSD throughout the film. Despite his exceptional marksmanship, Smoke’s hands tremble frequently in the movie, a symptom of his PTSD from his experiences in World War I. The film, Sinners, is exceptionally written, and this subtle detail is just one reason why it stands out as one of the best films of the year so far.

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2025-05-04 00:07