In an increasingly divided and violent world, finding bright spots of light and genuine human connection has never been more important.
Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwedar, is one of these bright spots, as it centres on the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program in Sing Sing prison in New York state.
The film focuses on John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo), a seasoned actor in the RTA program who is seeking parole. It follows his adjustment after new member, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (Clarence Maclin), joins the troupe, and shakes things up.
Divine Eye convinces the RTA troupe to perform a comedy instead of the drama G has written, arguing those in the prison, already surrounded by trauma, would enjoy a comedy instead. He then clashes again with G when he auditions—and wins—the only dramatic role in the play.
Despite Divine Eye having pushed for the play to be a zany comedy featuring time travel, ancient Egypt, and much more, he does not willingly participate in the activities the RTA does, further irritating G.
Even though there is tension in Sing Sing—as with all films and social circles—there is also genuine, human connection.
G and Mike Mike (Sean San José) are shown to be very close, supportive friends to one another.
Mike helps G prepare for his upcoming parole hearing, and the two share late-night conversations from their neighbouring cells.
Even as G is stressed by the at once both willing and begrudging participant of the RTA, there is levity and joy through his friendship with Mike and his enjoyment of the program.
The benefits the inmates get from it are palpable; they warm up, rehearse, and workshop within the program, sharing meals and bringing warmth to the grey prison.
As the film progresses, G and Divine Eye find themselves going from theatre rivals to friends, enduring tragedy and G’s emotional breakdown.
The beating heart of Sing Sing isn’t the fun play within a movie, the stunning cinematography, or even the heartfelt performances of the cast—it’s in the way these men interact with and genuinely care for one another.
Human emotion and love bind this film into something spellbinding, even as they discuss their wrongdoings, their regrets, and how they ended up in prison—G wanted to be a police officer but became a drug dealer, Divine Eye is locked up for robbery and laments that his son is also incarcerated.
Not to say the cinematography and acting aren’t phenomenal in this already award-decorated film but these elements both serve the message of love, emotional honesty and second chances.
Under Kwedar’s direction, the characters’ emotional struggles are reflected in the stark oppressiveness of their imprisonment—Sing Sing is grey, violent, and lifeless.
This bleakness contrasts sharply with the world just beyond the prison walls, where fields and lush greenery serve as a painful reminder of the freedom that remains just out of reach.
Sing Sing is a movie about felons bettering themselves through the arts and the connections they make within the program. But it is not just a movie, many of the supporting actors are men who have actually gone through RTA.
One such actor is Maclin, who plays a younger version of himself as he goes through the program and learns he does not need to rely on violence and harshness to get though life.
Maclin is proof the program can work as he was sentenced to 17 years’ prison for robbery and, while in prison, learned the art of acting and became a consultant for the RTA.
He is not in this film because he is merely RTA alumnus—Maclin is an actor in his own right, portraying the emotion his character feels with a quiet confidence.
Domingo, who is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Divine G, is also outstanding, as he acts with such gravitas the audience cannot help but feel as he does.
Emotion and redemption are at the very core of this film as it shows that even though some may be in one of the harshest environments on earth, there are still bright spots to foster human connection.
Sing Sing is rated MA and is in cinemas now.