Sing Sing (2024)

"Sing Sing" stars Colman Domingo, Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin, Sean San José, and Paul Raci.  Released on July 12, 2024, the film has a group of inmates putting together an original stage show.

The film was directed by Greg Kwedar, who also directed "Transpecos" and the short films "Guest Room", "La pluma", "Manos de madre", and "Dakota".  It is based on The Sing Sing Follies by John H. Richardson and Breakin' The Mummy's Code by Brent Buell.  Spending endless hours in prison would've been the last thing people wanted when they did something they'd regret.  Usually, letting them rot in a jail cell would help them change their ways, but what if there's a better way to help these prisoners regain their humanity?  This film has that answer: through the power of acting.  You might be wondering, "There's no way a bunch of inmates can redeem themselves by acting in a theatre production."  Well, you better prepare to have your foot and eat it, too, because this strategy exists in real life, and it has been proven successful for years.  Who knew the arts could be this much of a game-changer?  This particular program is the topic of this latest drama that's been receiving rave reviews since its premiere at last year's Toronto International Film Festival.  Now that it has made its way to regular theaters, let's see if it's as inspiring as someone quoting Shakespeare.

The story centers on John "Divine G" Whitfield (Domingo), a man arrested for a crime he didn't commit.  He's transferred to Sing Sing Correctional Facility, one of New York's most infamous maximum security prisons.  He's currently running the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which has a theatre group of other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer named Clarence (Maclin).  As part of the program, the group, alongside theatre director Brent Buell (Raci), is assigned to assemble an original stage production, Breakin' The Mummy's Code.  During production, John finds himself on a journey of purpose and rehabilitation through the power of theatre.

"Sing Sing" is another film I didn't expect myself to watch or even talk about.  I only heard about the movie through its poster and strong reviews, and that's about it.  I didn't view the trailer or anything, although its concept and Domingo's name were enough to get my attention.  With it still playing in a limited amount of theaters, I wasn't expecting to see what the hype was about until the next few weeks.  But thanks to my luck, I saw "Sing Sing" earlier than expected via the mystery movie event.  Like I said, you can't go wrong with seeing an upcoming film earlier, even if it's something you didn't expect to get.  So far, most of the mystery movies I saw during the summer have impressed me a lot, except "Summer Camp", whose crime was providing tediousness in its story and comedy.  So, where does this one land compared to the others?  Well, I can tell you this: it's nowhere near the likes of "Summer Camp".  In fact, it's miles better than that movie.

One thing to know about "Sing Sing" is that it's based on the actual RTA program, founded by Katherine Vockins in 1996, whose purpose is to guide inmates through the path of healing and redemption through theatre art.  Sing Sing is one of the New York State security prisons hosting this program.  However, the narrative in "Sing Sing" was more of a dramatization of the program's process instead of its origins via a documentary.  Honestly, this idea seemed more interesting than documenting the program's early days, and regarding its execution and emotional themes, it proved me right.  I'd never heard of the RTA before watching "Sing Sing", generally because I'm not into prisons that much.  Then again, I haven't been to an actual prison, so what do I know?  Watching the film not only made me want to learn more about it but also made me appreciate its therapeutic measures in helping inmates be better people.  Even better, the film served as a genuine and beautifully humane love letter to theatre and a heartfelt depiction of humanity and redemption.  

The film used its isolated prison setting to showcase the characters' experience in bringing their production to life while reflecting on their past mistakes that led to their imprisonment. John, one of the characters, had lost hope and faith in humanity due to his wrongful arrest, but he found his purpose again through the support of his fellow inmates.  Regarding its background and characters, "Sing Sing" would've been another prison-related melodrama with stereotypical characters if placed in the wrong hands.  Fortunately, it's placed in the hands of filmmaker Greg Kwedar, whose direction oozes with authenticity and tranquility.  Yes, it does include incarcerated gangsters and thugs, but Kwedar portrays them as actual human beings who understand their flaws through his direction and screenplay, which Clint Bentley co-wrote with Kwedar.  The inmates want to change themselves for the better, hence the RTA.  Kwedar proved how essential the program and the incarcerated inmates involved are, thanks to his approach to traditional filmmaking surrounded by a wholesome aura.  Aside from some concerns about its pacing, "Sing Sing" provided a sense of compassion and sincerity in its low-level drama and charm within its refreshingly compelling narrative.

Additionally, "Sing Sing" is known for having two professional actors working alongside many real-life members of the RTA.  Yes, you read that right.  The supporting cast working with Colman Domingo and Paul Raci are actual formerly incarcerated prisoners playing themselves.  Now, that's another way for them to earn their redemption.  Unsurprisingly, these men all did great with what they were given.  They don't serve as pointless extras like many other films.  They're actual characters who breathe life into their humanity.  But what about the main lead, Colman Domingo?  Well, he's undoubtedly fantastic.  Domingo's gratifying performance highlighted John's good-natured but internally heartbroken personality in an engaging and emotionally serene way.  I won't be surprised if he gets nominated for his work in "Sing Sing" because he is really talented in this one.  Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin was also excellent as the film version of himself, showcasing his range as more genuine than stereotypical. I would also credit Paul Raci for his performance as Brent Buell, the director behind Breakin' The Mummy's Curse.

Overall, "Sing Sing" sings its praises loud and clear with a genuinely authentic and charmingly captivating reflection of humanity through the arts.  Well, it actually doesn't involve any singing, but you get the point.  The pacing can be a bit slow during a few scenes, but it didn't distract me from the craft and passion Greg Kwedar and his crew put into the film. This is an expertly directed and genuinely remarkable tribute to the RTA's process of healing and redemption and the people involved. More importantly, it showcases that the power of art, whether theatre or cinema, can do more than entertain. It can also bring out the humanity and goodwill within us, especially the actors and crew responsible for bringing it to life.  The cast was terrific in their roles, especially Domingo, Kwedar's direction was superb in its authenticity and tone, and the screenplay effectively emphasizes its themes and layered characters.  In today's world, where people often disregard their surroundings and lose hope in difficult times, "Sing Sing" is a powerful reminder to never give up on a better future.  If it's playing at a theater near you, it's definitely worth checking out.

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