In Sing Sing, the dehumanising nature of imprisonment is contrasted against the cathartic joy that comes with being immersed in the make-believe, theatrical realm. A group of inmates find relief from their grim realities through a rehabilitative drama program that allows them to not only express their emotions, but redefine their identities. The film tracks a deeply moving, real-life narrative that highlights failings of the justice system, as well as just how powerful theatre can be.
At the centre of the film, and the theatre troupe of inmates it follows, is Divine G, played by Colman Domingo. As a founding member of the group, he’s intensely passionate about the arts and emboldens the other men with encouragement, while still cutting a humble figure. He’s offset by Divine Eye, played by Clarence Maclin, who’s one of the program’s newest members. Divine Eye is resistant to adopting the vulnerability that’s an essential ingredient for truthful acting, struggling to drop the rough exterior that asserts his dominance in the rest of the prison’s environment. Despite the friction he causes within the troupe, he’s shown patience and care from the other men, many of whom have been on the same emotional journey before him. As the group’s leader, Divine G is tirelessly supportive of everyone around him, but the weight of his own battles begin to crumble his morale just before the troupe's big opening night of their new play.
The film is closely based on the true story of a group of inmates that put on a wacky comedic play at Sing Sing prison in the early 2000s. Except for Domingo and a couple of others, the cast were mostly former inmates of Sing Sing and were in the actual play, and are all playing themselves in the film. Director Greg Kwedar worked with Rehabilitation Through Arts (the non-profit organisation that runs the drama program) and its alumni to make the film and brought Maclin on board to help write it. It’s clear Kwedar made ample space for the men who lived this story to lead much of the creative process, and it creates a strong authenticity that packs the emotional punches with heart-wrenching power.
Domingo delivers a masterful yet understated performance, which gradually builds an emotional crescendo that makes his bolder moments all the more effective. As we catch more glimpses of his character’s inner world, he devastatingly depicts the frustration of someone who has been utterly failed by the justice system. The film is a star turn for Maclin, who you’d never know was acting in his first ever film, as he deftly portrays the reckoning of his identity he experienced as a younger man. The ensemble cast are also a highlight, and their genuine camaraderie shines through the screen to bring lighter moments – but also adding depth, most notably a moving monologue from Sean ‘Dino’ Johnson.
Sing Sing shines a harsh light on the glaring flaws of the justice system, but also serves as a beacon of hope for meaningful change. The people who inspired the film are living proof that when those who’ve suffered the impacts of systemic biases are given a chance to break from their moulds and safely express themselves, true liberation occurs.
This film does not yet have a confirmed theatrical release date for Australia, but stay tuned for more details when they're available.
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