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If you're like me, you are thrilled for the horror FX promised by the trailer for Sinners, the Michael B. Jordan-starring, Ryan Coogler-directed vampire horror flick set in '30s Midwest America. From their sharklike teeth to bloodstained early-century garb, these vampires standout from the typical sexy beast of gothic cinema. And according to the director, pulling that off required some of the actors playing them to go blind.

Er, temporarily. We'll explain.

If you've seen that aforementioned trailer (or any promo art for the film), you've probably noticed that the vampires' eyes look a little bit like a cat's eyes, in that they reflect an eerie, jewel-like glow. "That's called tapetum lucidum," Coogler explained in a recent interview printed in issue #27 of the Fangoria magazine, in which he explained how the effect was achieved.

"We worked with an exceptional woman who makes contacts for the film," said the Black Panther director, "This is the first time these prototypes are being used. The actors can't see once they put them on."

That's right - as you watch actors like Hawkeye's Hailee Steinfeld reveal their monstrous nature in this film, remember to yourself that they were in the dark in more than one way as they were filming. And on a set like Sinners', that presents a unique set of challenges.

"We got blood on the floor and shit," Coogler told his interviewer, "So it was complicated."

Once the scenes were finally shot, the footage was sent to the "amazing" VFX team led by Michael Ralla, who worked with Coogler on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After adding a digital flourish to the in-camera effect, Ralla's sent the footage back to the film's editors, and the creepiest vampire effect we're likely to see on screen this year was complete.

After, one asssumes, a whole bunch of slipping-and-sliding bloopers.

Sinners peeks into theaters April 18.

In the immortal words of Danny Elfman, "Life's no fun without a good scare." We couldn't agree more, which is why we've cobbled together a couple pieces to send a chill up your spine. Join Popverse as we explore:

• The best horror movies of all time, according to horror aficionado Greg Silber
• The most underrated horror movies from the past couple years
• All the new and upcoming horror movies for 2025 and beyond

And much gore. Er, more. Much more.