Who could have imagined that healing the world would begin within the walls of Sing Sing?” a character reflects near the end of Greg Kwedar’s film. This line is just one of many thought-provoking quotes that punctuate the movie’s 105-minute runtime. Stories centered around theater are not new, ranging from classics like All About Eve to Birdman and Waiting for Guffman, each approaching the theme in its unique way. Similarly, prison-based narratives have been explored before, with notable examples like The Shawshank Redemption, Orange Is the New Black, and Oz. However, a film about a theater troupe in a prison setting? That’s a fresh take, further enhanced by its basis in real events.
Sing Sing (2024)
Release Date
March 8, 2024
Director
Greg Kwedar
Cast
Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Sean Dino Johnson, Clarence Maclin
Runtime
105 Minutes
What Is ‘Sing Sing’ About?
Sing Sing excels as an ensemble film, allowing each character to shine. At its core is Divine G (Colman Domingo), who is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Despite his unjust situation, Divine G finds purpose by improving the lives of his fellow inmates, advocating for better food, and immersing himself in the prison library. He also leads the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) theater group, which stages productions from Shakespeare to his own works every six months.
However, the arrival of a new member, Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin), disrupts the group’s dynamic. Divine Eye, with acting talent that rivals Divine G’s, proposes a shift towards comedy but remains guarded and reluctant to fully engage. Divine G must help him acclimate to the group while also pursuing his own clemency hearing, buoyed by new evidence in his case.
‘Sing Sing’ Emphasizes Art and Community
The film’s aesthetic is a standout feature, thanks to the filmmakers behind A24, known for their visually stunning works. Sing Sing continues this tradition, showcasing Pat Scola’s cinematography on film, which imparts a dreamy, intimate quality to the movie. The opening shot of Divine G performing a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream immediately immerses viewers, while scenes of the Hudson River and railroad ground us in the setting. The swirling camera movements during character introductions enhance the feeling of presence.
Kwedar’s careful avoidance of graphic violence is notable; for instance, an early scene involving a guard and a prisoner is implied rather than shown. Sing Sing focuses on joy, community, and the humanity of its characters, rather than sensationalizing prison life. It balances rawness with hope, demonstrating the stark contrast between the men’s fleeting moments of happiness and the harsh realities of their imprisonment.
‘Sing Sing’ Authenticity and Humanity
Sing Sing’s production team avoided typical clichés and stereotypes, achieving a genuine portrayal of its characters. Brent Buell (Paul Raci) and Divine Eye, who could easily have fallen into stereotypes, instead offer nuanced performances. Buell, the enthusiastic director, avoids being merely comic relief or a “white savior” figure. He supports the men’s creative ideas, even crafting a play that incorporates diverse elements from ancient Egypt to Freddy Krueger.
Divine Eye, played by Maclin, could have been cast as the antagonist, but instead, he is portrayed with depth and complexity. His character embodies confidence and vulnerability, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his real-life counterpart. Remarkably, Maclin himself is based on the character he plays.
The film’s authenticity is heightened by the fact that 85% of the cast includes formerly incarcerated individuals from Sing Sing, contributing to the film’s genuine feel. Kwedar deserves recognition for eliciting such powerful performances, and the cast’s personal experiences enhance the film’s impact. The specificity of their portrayals, including everyday moments often taken for granted, adds depth to their performances.
Colman Domingo Shines in ‘Sing Sing’
Domingo, who received an Oscar nomination for Rustin, is poised for another nod with his performance in Sing Sing. From his opening scene, Domingo captivates with his commanding presence and expressive portrayal. His determination to seek freedom for himself and his friends is both inspiring and moving. His subtle and powerful portrayal of Divine G, including moments of quiet reflection and profound emotion, highlights his exceptional talent. Domingo’s portrayal of Divine G’s emotional struggle during his clemency hearing is particularly haunting and memorable.
While some of Divine G’s challenges are introduced abruptly, serving as effective plot catalysts, they reveal his human flaws and struggles. The film’s exploration of the character’s vulnerabilities adds depth, particularly as Divine G grapples with the systemic injustices he faces.
The dynamic between Divine G and Divine Eye adds significant depth to the narrative, with their parallel journeys providing both contrast and reflection. The film’s final moments, including a deliberately misleading conclusion, align with its overall tone and message.
Sing Sing reflects a deep passion and attention to detail in its production. Domingo’s standout performance, along with the remarkable contributions of the ensemble cast, underscores the film’s unique and powerful portrayal of humanity. Both this film and Netflix’s forthcoming documentary Daughters highlight the need for systemic change by shining a light on the humanity of those often marginalized and mistreated.