Sing Sing Review: – Greg Kwedar’s Ode To The Humanity Behind The Bars – Toronto Film Festival
11.09.2023 - 02:45
/ deadline.com
In an unexpected twist, the prison bars have transformed into curtains, drawing back to reveal a compelling story of redemption, humanity, and artistry. Sing Sing, adapted from the Sing Sing Follies by Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and impeccably directed by Greg Kwedar, is more than just a film about prison life. It’s a love letter to the transformative power of performing arts, smartly penned by screenwriters Kwedar and Clint Bentley. This emotional drama stars Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, John “Divine G” Whitfield, Sean San Jose, Jon-Adrian Velazquez, David J. Giraudy, Sean “Dino” Johnson, and Sean “Divine Eye” Johson.
The film opens with Clarence Maclin (Domingo) on stage reciting the last lines of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to uproarious applause before taking a bow with the rest of the ensemble cast. After the show, he returns to Sing Sing correctional facility where it’s revealed he’s a respected member of the population whose written books and stage plays. He’s also one of the creators of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), which is a troop of men who put on plays as a means of rehab. The group is run by Brent (Raci), who directs whatever play the group decides they want to do.
As they chat about the next show, the newest member Divine G (Whitfield) suggests they put on a comedy show because all the plays have been so serious and traumatic. Brent volunteers to write something original featuring all the things they’ve asked for: time travel, Nightmare on Elm Street, Ancient Egypt, a western shootout, and a boy traveling through time for her mother. For this group, the journey to get this play from page to stage is one filled with triumph, heartbreak, and an experience that no one will forget.
Sing Sing