Writer and producer Greg Kwedar (Transpecos) returns to the director chair for his sophomore feature film debut with Sing Sing, a prison drama following John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo), imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. While incarcerated, he finds purpose by acting in a theater group.
Based on the true story of John Whitfield, one of the founding members of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), the film is a stirring and emotional look at how transformative art and community can be.
L-R: David “Dap” Giraudy, Sean San José as Mike Mike, and Colman Domingo as John “Devine G” Whitfield in SING SING. Photo Credit: A24. Photo courtesy of A24.
Colman Domingo, fresh off his Oscar nomination in Rustin (2023), turns in another fantastic performance. Domingo brings a lifetime of pain and channels it through this character. He plays the emotional whiplash of being in prison, of being built up by finding community and expressing things like joy and peace, only to have it shattered by the way the prison system treats the Black community. It’s not spelled out, but it’s in the very DNA of this exceptional performance, allowing the audience to catch a glimpse of the torment of being wrongly convicted. It’s deeply poignant and so utterly human, it’s impossible not to be moved.
L-R: Clarence Maclin and Colman Domingo as John “Devine G” Whitfield in SING SING. Photo Credit: Dominic Leon. Photo Courtesy of A24.
What really makes this film sing is it’s supporting cast, almost entirely made up of actual RTA members who were a part of the plays that took place at the actual prison in which this film is set. Clarence Maclin, in particular, makes an impression as the newcomer to the RTA, still having his guard up, coming into the group with the wrong mindset. While his character may be at odds with Domingo’s Whitfield and the rest of the troupe, it is his arc, seeing the true healing power of what the RTA is all about, that is the beating heart of the film. Having real life members of the RTA play themselves and have opportunities, in character, to talk about the life-changing impact the program has had is a beautiful and poignant way of communicating and educating the audience.
L-R: Colman Domingo as John “Devine G” Whitfield and Clarence Maclin in SING SING. Photo Credit: Dominic Leon. Photo Courtesy of A24.
Fellow Oscar nominee Paul Raci plays the director of the plays who is there in a mentorship role. After his turn in The Sound of Metal (2019), Raci has found a niche role of taking troubled men under his wing and I’m here for it.
There may be a contingent of audience that won’t look past the surface and see an “Oscar bait” feel-good movie capitalizing on the recent success of films like CODA (2021), but there is so much more to this film than the importance of the arts, it’s about community and self-respect. The relationships these men form while incarcerated are instrumental in their mental health journeys as the men hug, mentor, and shepherd each other as they reckon with being in prison.
L-R: Paul Raci as Brent Buell, Sean San José as Mike Mike, Colman Domingo as John “Devine G” Whitfield , Sean “Dino” Johnson, and Mosi Eagle in SING SING. Photo Credit: Dominic Leon. Photo Courtesy of A24.
Greg Kwedar and co-writer Clint Bentley (Jockey) have tapped into something special, not only raising awareness and normalizing the real emotions and issues of these men, but representing them in a human and respectful way. Domingo’s character is often found standing at a window that is caged and barred except for one small square, just big enough to put his hand through and barely catch the breeze on his outstretched hand. It is an image that will stay with you long after the film is over. A man who has been cheated and failed by his government, living in a stale and inhumane environment, holding out hope and still striving to fight for his humanity.
In limited release July 12th, 2024.
In wide release August 2nd, 2024.
For more information, head to the official A24 Sing Sing webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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