Box kat's Toy Box

When he met with Annie

When Stack dies

When he remembers everyone that helped put the juke joint together and he's trembling, struggling to roll a cigarette- the only thing that could soothe him at that given moment.

Seeing fear, sorrow, heartache, longing, and love-

In the hands of another director I dont think it would be the same. Often times with characters that are portrayed like Smoke- the strong silent type, that let's actions speak for him more than words- (Especially as a black man) They rarely allow viewers to see them in an emotional state like that. Show them unsure and scared and even happy.

Those moments do not take away how formidable he is. (As a matter of fact I think it adds to it. Showing his capacity for a lot of love and a lot violence in his duality)

Tbh I dont think its mentioned enough on here but Smoke really is him fr. This man was putting belt to ass, damn near every scene. I loved watching him John Wick the Klan🥹 it was beautiful (and hot)

And since Im me, it wouldn't be me if I didnt bring up Annie while talking about Smoke 😮‍💨

I found it and interesting use of directing to first introduce Smoke out the gate as the serious twin and also heavily imply his capacity for violence. The last scene we see Smoke in before he sees Annie was him shooting 2 men over attempting to rob his truck.

Then to see his demeanor soften when he greets Annie, is a sharp change of pace.

Side note- I find it interesting that Smoke and Annie scene is used as a check point of sorts. It kind of functions like closure to the first half of the film, before it changes pace into a more supernatural film. Not to nerd out a bit but using that shack scene as an introduction to the supernatural through the use of Annie (hinting at her capabilities as a hoodoo priestess) narratively speaking, was chefs kiss. I do think this is why that scene also sticks out to a lot of people (and is so important to the plot). There relationship literally serves as a turning point in the narrative of the film

The thought crossed my mind while I was watching FD Signifiers video essay on Sinner's (I didnt watch all of it, cuz I think her can be a bit long winded sometimes...sorry)

Another sidebar- Ngl in his video I feel he may have been looking a bit too deep when it comes to Sinners, but for a different reason, but Ill leave that alone.

Anyways, the reason Im bringing this up is when discussing his favorite scenes in Sinners, he brought up Annie and Smoke first scene together. He pointed out just how unique a scene like that is in media- aside from Annie being cast as a main love interest, but pointing out how Smoke (a masculine Black Man) is shown in a vulnerable (submissive) position with her and visibly seeing his vulnerability in that moment in a sexual nature.

Seeing him visibly release tension in his body when she touches him as he closes his eyes and just let's himself just feel.

The push and pull of Smoke being able to be both dominant and submissive is such a good mix.😮‍💨

(Im definitely going to make a separate post explaining exactly why I found their interaction so hot. I can wax poetic about this shit forreal)🫠

Anyways, if anyone else wants to share their thoughts, feel free to. I like to read them 🙂‍↕️

Maaan...

Where do I start with Smoke...

He's a character that I hold near and dear to my heart (right beside Annie of course).

What really struck me on a personal level was the sibling dynamic he had with Stack.

I dont know if this gets mentioned a lot, but I sometimes wonder if Smoke ever felt guilt over being the one that killed their dad-

Stay with me now, Im gonna circle back to this.

Now this is my own interpretation, and Im open to hearing other points of views (I like reading them) but to me, Smoke operates as a fierce protector and as someone who puts the wants and needs of others (mainly Stack) above his own.

He tends to come off as a bit lenient when it comes to his twin;

*not giving much pushback when Stack disagreed with his idea to hold off on the grand opening of the juke joint.

*not pressing Stack harder about escorting Mary out, eventhough he is shown to be very disapproving of her presence there (with good reason) "get rid of her or I will"

The reason why I believe some of these actions may stem from a place of guilt is due to the fact that HE was the one that killed their dad.

*I don't hear enough people analyzing that distinction when it comes to the twins which i feel is a missed opportunity in exploring their characters*

We obviously know that in their relationship, yes they are brothers, but noticeably you can tell Smoke operates almost like a father figure towards Stack.

Thinking back to the car ride with Stack and Sammie and Stack mentions how his daddy use to beat the both of them when they were young, but mostly him.

Followed by "he didn't mean it"...just...damn.

Stack as a child still had so much love for his father despite the fact that he had beat him unconscious. 🤧

Just...so depressing. But feelings can be complicated, even towards your abuser.

Thats why I can't help but think that Smoke feels obligated to take on a parental figure with Stack cause he feels he took away their only one. (Aside from him being the older twin, they are still the same age) Maybe not just guilt for taking away Stack's father, burden an weight also killing his own. (I think I will explore this further in another post idk)

*I sometimes wonder if this very feeling of guilt is what spurred the separation of him and Annie for so long (I might make a separate post about that as well)

There are so many concepts with in Smoke entwining fatherhood that I definitely add to it later~

Now on a personal note, I deeply relate to Elijah as a charcter. Especially in his sibling dynamic. Pushing your wants and needs aside for others and being a more reserved quiet person. Especially for the love of your sibling (eventhough in this case im the younger one lol)

Thats part of what makes his arc bittersweet to me.

Even though some people may view his end with Annie as an sad end (which it is, and people have the right to feel how they feel), I also look at it as Elijah choosing himself for the first time (at least in the film). In choosing himself he chose to be with Annie and their daughter....

Oh god, I think I'll post some more Annie and smoke commentary cause I just-

I need to 😫

I have too much to saayyyyyyyyyyy😩

Ok let me gtfo of here😔