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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
From the very first frame of director Greg Kwedar’s A24 and Black Bear Pictures drama film, Sing Sing, there is an energy that is attention-grabbing. Kwedar took great care in finding the right tone to tell this true story, and I believe he nailed it. Straying away from the typically harsh and bleak tales of incarceration, Sing Sing celebrates the resolve of the human spirit. It is the hope we can instill in one another when we share our passions and express our feelings. The men who lead the way in this story do this through the art of theater. As an audience, we are fortunate enough to witness this magic unfold on screen through one of the best films of 2024.
Rehabilitation Through Arts
Sing Sing starts, thrives, and ends with our protagonist Divine G. This lead is portrayed to perfection by Academy Award nominee, Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead, Euphoria, Candyman, Rustin, The Color Purple). Divine G serves a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. An aspiring writer and playwright, he found purpose in a program he joined called Rehabilitation Through Arts. The RTA program, which he helped develop and flourish, would put on stage productions to be performed by fellow incarcerated individuals. Sing Sing actually opens with Divine G performing masterfully in such an RTA production. The rest of our story, then, chronicles the journey and work put into the next project.
During a casting search, Divine G’s path would soon cross with a tough prisoner known as Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (himself). While intimidating and rough on the surface, Divine G is able to see an intelligence and passion within this man. Through Maclin and Domingo’s excellent raw chemistry, this relationship is truly what brings the entire film together.
Discovering One’s Self
As the cast of the upcoming production comes together, through the ongoing rehearsals and preparations Sing Sing really kicks into gear. A part of the film’s power is its use of actual actors from the real-life RTA program. In fact, Maclin portrays a dramatized version of himself alongside many of his peers. Not only does it help the film feel real and grounded, but a charm to the sincerity and honesty emanates from these performances. Most especially, Maclin as Divine Eye has deservedly garnered some award-season buzz.
Although Divine G helped encourage Divine Eye to join the program, he began to find it difficult to break through to his talent. It doesn’t come easy. Divine Eye is apprehensive at first and doesn’t feel comfortable expressing himself. The film’s development of Divine Eye was the most rewarding experience I had all year; it is truly awe-inspiring.
However, it isn’t all roses for Divine G, as later discovered. And the next most powerful connection in the entire picture happens in an unexpected role reversal. Divine Eye eventually begins to help Divine G lift himself and find his hope when all seems lost.
The Power of Perseverance
Alongside the incredible Maclin & Domingo is an equally talented group of figures led by Academy Award nominee Paul Raci as well as Sean San José. Raci portrays the play’s director, while San José plays Divine G’s best friend and cell neighbor, Mike Mike. Both actors deliver a significant boost of energy and presence in their respective roles.
While I mentioned that the film isn’t as brutal as other films set in prison, it also doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life. It perfectly depicts the cold and cruel nature of the real world. This distinction is exactly what makes Sing Sing such a joy to experience. Seeing these prisoners find solace and laughter through their talents together is genuinely heartwarming. I have seen the film twice now and it is even better the second time. It is my absolute favorite film of the year and I cannot wait to see it again!
5/5 stars
Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing re-releases in theaters on January 17th!
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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.