⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Colman Domingo is an actor who has been working for years in the background of some of the most critically acclaimed films of the last decade. With a career featuring some notable supporting turns, it wasn’t until last year’s Rustin that Domingo found himself in a lead role (for which he was also nominated for an Oscar). And it was a project that was deeply personal to the actor. Concurrently, he was working away at another passion project with A24 – Sing Sing. Having premiered to rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, the film is now being released to general audiences so they can experience the beautiful film.
In this world of incarceration, we are thrust into the story of a group of prisoners at the Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in New Jersey who were involved in the RTA program - Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, John “Divine G” Whitfield (Domingo) finds purpose by acting in the theatre group alongside other incarcerated men. As the group attempts to stage their original production, Breakin' the Mummy's Code, an open casting call leads to a wary newcomer (Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin) joining the group. With rising temperatures and temperaments, the group must work together as they progress their production, process their emotions and find healing and restoration.
A film guaranteed to not leave a dry eye in the entire house. Simply WOW! Such an extraordinary, consequential, beautiful, emotional, transcendent, transportive work of art. It's a poignant and pertinent film that is one of this year’s best. And with many prison programs, real-life alumni play themselves within the film, and there is an additional layer of reality, depth, and humanity. They laugh together, act together, cry together, survive together. Sing Sing is a true ensemble, but it’s led so toweringly by Colman Domingo and supported sublimely by Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin. This actor in particular is a scene stealer and it would not be surprising to see him garner acclaim for the role – given his own incarceration, rehabilitation through the arts and now emerging career.
This project is also shot beautifully on 16mm film with handheld intimate camerawork. This allows the sensitive hand of director Greg Kwedar to let so many raw emotional moments breathe and linger as long as they need to. Close-up shots never feel invasive because of how sensitively and subtly the camera moves. The film also has some truly stirring monologues and staged performances that show just how talented this ensemble are. They bounce from comedy to tragedy, Shakespeare to Peter Pan – and it always impresses. A film that will be recommended for a long time - truly something special.
Reel Dialogue: Where do we find freedom?
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36
Much of the hardship and difficulty seen in Sing Sing comes from the incarceration of the acting troupe members. From random spot searches of their cells, the broader criminal culture, gang conflict, parole board setbacks etc. – it’s an emotionally draining environment. The light at the end of the tunnel for Divine G (and Divine Eye) is eventual release. But this release can only come for Divine G if he can prove his innocence and be acquitted.
Mistakes have consequences, and everyone makes mistakes. The Bible teaches that everyone is sinful and that we are prisoners to our own sin. Because of our sin, we are guilty and deserve death as a consequence. But Jesus stands in our place and takes the penalty for sin. Those who trust in Jesus are no longer prisoners to their sins but are granted the truest form of freedom possible. Have you experienced this freedom?
