For some reason, this film has eluded me for months but I’m glad I finally got around to seeing it on the second to last day of 2024. I love stories of redemption and this one, set inside a New York maximum security prison called Sing Sing, offers plenty of that and more. Directed by Greg Kwedar, the story is based on John H. Richardson’s Esquire article The Sing Sing Follies, which is adapted to the screen by Kwedar and Clint Bentley. Films based on a true story are a dime a dozen but what’s unique about Sing Sing is it features several alumni of the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, portraying fictionalized versions of themselves.

Colman Domingo is a terrific character actor I’ve seen in acclaimed films such as Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk, and The Color Purple, but it’s the first time I saw him in a leading role. He plays John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield, one of the original members of the RTA. Divine G is portrayed as a passionate artist, an avid reader, and a dedicated writer. In his cell, we notice a stack of books on a makeshift shelf, illustrating how he has transformed his limited surroundings into a sanctuary for his creative expression. The group often defers to Divine G and he works well with stage director Brent Buelle (Paul Raci), that is until a new member of the program, Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin, comes along.

The rivalry that brews between the two Divines… Divine G and Divine Eye, I’ll refer to Divine Eye as Maclin here to avoid confusion. Maclin is a tough, aggressive drug dealer who keeps his guard up and isn’t keen on joining the crew at first. However, things change when he tries out for the role of Prince Hamlet and starts to connect with Shakespeare. There are some intense moments between the two when Divine G approaches Maclin alone, but there are also some comic moments when Divine G has to explain the character of Hamlet to Maclin.

The play alone is a bizarre time-travel comedy called Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code, which includes elements from Hamlet, Ancient Egypt, the Wild West, and Freddy Kreuger. It’s akin to Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure but with mostly black characters. It’s an idea that came from Maclin, as he feels there’s enough drama and tragedy within the prison walls. He made a really good point there!

One thing I love about Sing Sing is the brightness of the visuals, which is unusual as most films set in prison are usually more dark and somber. Cinematographer Pat Scola drenches the space with light and filmed it on Super 16 with Super Speed lenses. We get to really see the raw emotion of the characters and their facial expressions, illuminating the humanity of the characters. I also enjoyed the music by Bryce Dessner, who has been doing a ton of excellent scoring work lately in Cyrano, Widow Clicquot, and Dandelion.

Kwedar’s direction is truly special as he balances the theatrical aspect of the play the RTA puts together, and the plight of the characters, notably Divine G and Maclin to gain their freedom. Divine G has been wrongly imprisoned for a decade and the film shows his journey for parole approval. Domingo is exceptional in capturing Divine G’s emotional state here; especially during the parole hearing and the dress rehearsal when he just can’t hold back his feelings anymore. Raci delivers a memorable performance despite his limited screen time, nice to see him in a buzz-worthy film after his Oscar-nominated role in Sound of Metal.

Even though the topic might sound a bit gloomy, Sing Sing is actually a feel-good movie that highlights the beauty of friendship, even in the most unexpected places. I love the affable rapport between Divine G and his bestie Mike Mike (Sean San José, who’s Domingo’s longtime collaborator). Divine G and Maclin’s growing friendship is especially moving, even if it feels a tad predictable. I found out Maclin is one of the real RTA alumni, but he’s so good in this film I thought he was a trained actor!

This film changed how I viewed prison, and it’s really uplifting to realize that healing and redemption can happen even in such a bleak environment. It’s inspiring to see how art and creativity can be a powerful outlet for these incarcerated men, allowing them to express themselves and collaborate with one another. The fact that the movie was filmed at a decommissioned prison facility adds a level of authenticity.

I’m glad I saw this before the year’s close while I’m selecting which films would make my top 10 best list. It has deservedly nabbed several major nominations such as Golden Globes (for Domingo) as well as Independent Spirit Awards. Sing Sing hits the right notes in showing the redemptive nature of art even within the prison walls.

Have you seen Sing Sing? What did you think?

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