One of Hailee Steinfeld’s biggest releases, the Ryan Coogler–directed horror hit Sinners, keeps pulling headlines for everything except its box-office clout. Despite crossing $350 million worldwide, the film drew fresh heat when Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy blasted it on social media, prompting Jason Whitlock to pile on with a curt, three-word takedown.
Dave Portnoy’s viral critique and Whitlock’s blunt agreement spark fan arguments
Dave Portnoy didn’t mince words while criticizing Josh Allen’s wife Hailee Steinfeld’s recent movie Sinners. “I may be like 6 months late with this critique, but that was one of the most overhyped, overrated movies of all time. If you say that movie was great you have no movie credibility with me.” Within moments, former ESPN and Fox Sports personality Jason Whitlock co-signed the sentiment with a minimalist dunk: “Fact check: true.”The exchange instantly split timelines. Supporters echoed Portnoy’s view that Sinners leaned on style over substance; others argued the film’s mood, performances, and world-building were precisely what made it resonate with audiences. The numbers and accolades, back that up: in June 2025, IndieWire ranked Sinners No. 65 on its “The 100 Best Movies of the 2020s (So Far)” list, and Steinfeld took home Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Astra Midseason Movie Awards.
Box-office success versus cultural reception and why the discourse won’t die
Sinners is a classic case of a movie living two lives—one at the ticket window and another in the court of public opinion. Ryan Coogler’s signature craft and star power (with Michael B. Jordan featuring) helped the film travel, but its grim tone and genre-bending choices clearly aren’t for everyone. That friction, critical lists versus contrarian pundits, keeps the conversation hotter than most horror titles enjoy months after release.Also Read: “Overhyped and overrated”: Josh Allen’s wife Hailee Steinfeld faces harsh criticism from Dave PortnoyAway from the noise, newlyweds Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld, married in May, were recently spotted shopping in California as Buffalo eyes a deep run. Allen sat out the Bills’ preseason opener, a 34–25 loss to the New York Giants, and he’s unlikely to log heavy preseason snaps with Super Bowl expectations looming. The real countdown is on for Sept. 7, when Buffalo opens against the Baltimore Ravens, while Sinners remains the conversation piece that won’t stay in the dark.
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