Time: 105 Minutes
Age Rating: M – Offensive language
Cast:
Colman Domingo as John “Divine G” Whitfield
Clarence Maclin as as Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin
Sean San José as Mike Mike
Paul Raci as Brent Buell
Director: Greg Kwedar

I had been hearing buzz for Sing Sing for the past year, especially with its appearance at this most recent awards season. I mainly knew that it focussed on a theatre rehabilitation program in a prison and starred Colman Domingo in the lead role. I found that it lived up to all the acclaim.

This story is certainly narratively familiar and doesn’t reinvent the wheel or have many surprises, but is impactful enough that it doesn’t matter. It’s a deeply human, vulnerable and powerful movie about community, friendship and not losing hope. It feels very authentic, especially with the fact that this is based on a true story. As we watch these incarcerated people reform themselves for the better through this theatre group, we also get to see the transformative and healing power of art. The pacing might meander towards the middle, but I was invested from beginning to end.

One of the standout aspects is the acting. The performances from the ensemble are excellent with no weak links at all. Colman Domingo is fantastic in leading this movie, charismatic, dynamic, naturalistic and with a great presence to him. Sean San Jose and Paul Raci are also really good and believable in their roles. One of the notable things about this movie is that outside of these three, most of the rest of the cast were inmates who were in this arts program and were playing themselves. That really adds to the impact of the movie because it really feels like they are telling their own authentic stories. The most prominent among these actors is Clarence Maclin, who is so believable and amazing, and has probably the most compelling arc of the film.

Sing Sing is very well directed by Greg Kwedar. For a film taking place entirely at a prison, the imagery is beautiful. I also like the calming score from Bryce Dessner throughout, which fit the overall vibe of the film.

Sing Sing is a powerful, heartfelt, tender and beautiful film, particularly with its incredible performances, led by a phenomenal Colman Domingo. Highly recommended.