Sing Sing

While this new independent film distributed by A24 is set inside a prison in New York, it is less of a "prison movie" in the conventional sense and more of an emotionally impactful and inspiring drama about how art--particularly theater--can rehabilitate people in need of rehabilitation. The film's depiction of this issue is genuine and heartfelt, and forms the cornerstone to a generally engaging story. Colman Domingo plays the protagonist, who is incarcerated but helps lead the prison theatre group.

The film takes a bit of time to truly get going, but it still remains gripping and engaging. Domingo's performance is great, showing understated emotion in a way that makes a strong impact on the viewer, while also radiating a deep sense of compassion. The supporting actors are all excellent as well, and many of the supporting cast members apparently have been formerly incarcerated. The incorporation of the theatre program into the narrative creates comic relief, but also pathos and powerful bonding between the inmates and the program director. "Sing Sing" isn't perfect, as the character development of the supporting characters could have been improved, but its beating heart and thoughtful, humane tone is genuinely moving and memorable. Gladly recommended. 8/10.

This movie had me crying, smiling, laughing, and feeling really good. I feel like this is a film for humanity. People are just people at the end of the day. I love the hope that this movie had me feeling. I'm not sure that I'd have picked this one to see in theaters, but was just aghast at how beautiful the film is. I know nothing of awards and when those decisions are made. I'd be absolutely shocked if this film does not the board. The characters come off as genuine and are utterly love able. I was very surprised to learn more about the cast at the end of the film and it had me crying all the more. Happy tears. I enjoyed that the characters were raw in their performances and I just cannot say it enough. This movie is big and feels so important. Hope feels nice.

Today's movie was "Sing Sing" (2024), a prison-rehabilitation drama co-written and directed by Greg Kwedar, and based on a 2005 "Esquire" article, "The Sing Sing Follies," by John H. Richardson. It's showing in theaters.

My 7 of 10 review is at:

It's a prison-rehabilitation drama set in the 2010s in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility north of New York City. It builds a story on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program that engages prisoners in a drama program in which they put on two plays per year. John Divine G Whitfield (Colman Domingo), one of the program's founders, has been in prison for about 15 years for a murder he denies committing while he was a drug dealer. The director of the Sing Sing program is Brent Buell (Paul Raci). We meet a variety of prisoners, especially Clarence Divine Eye Maclin (Himself), who is very hard-edged at the movie's beginning.

"Sing Sing" follows the development of the first comedy produced by the Sing Sing program, which involves time travel. We see conflicts, tragedy, and disappointments when hearings don't go as planned or an inmate dies suddenly.

The movie's "hook" is that most of the actors, former inmates engaged in the RTA program, play earlier versions of themselves in the film. This particularly includes Divine Eye Maclin. The real Divine G Whitfield, as does the real Brent Buell, has a small role.

"Sing Sing" is heartwarming and demonstrates that people can change. However, it also drags at times and has limited action. Clarence Maclin is amazing, and Colman Domingo does a fine job. Of the prisoners, I especially liked Sean Dino Johnson. Some obvious questions are not addressed, like how women show up in the final productions when none rehearse or are characters in the film.

7 of 10.

Caught this film last night at a blind preview at our local theater complex. Probably wouldn't have opted to see it if I'd have known what it was but I'm grateful I did. Moving, honest portrayals by some of the participants in the program it depicts (particularly Clarence Maclin and Sean Johnson) and the work of Colman Domingo are it's strengths. The cinematography and direction add to the sincerity of the performances by not overwhelming them and taking an approach that feels like the viewer is witnessing the conversations and events instead of consuming them. Thought provoking. Understated. Sincere. Not flawless but really well done.

I was incredibly moved by this film. I went into it was no expectations other than to be blown away by Coleman Domingo, who always delivers a strong performance in every film he's in. I was most taken by the performance by his costar Clarence Maclin, Who brought such tenderness and compassion to his character and the other characters. It's really great to know that some of the other actors in the film are also formerly incarcerated men in the RTA program, and that everyone involved with the production has some equity with the film. I think with real life stories like this that is the way to produce a film in the most authentic and rewarding way possible.