Colman Domingo, an Academy Award nominee, continues to showcase his exceptional talent, building on his compelling performances in “Rustin” and “The Color Purple” from the previous year. His most recent project, “Sing Sing,” a production of A24, is directed by Greg Kwedar and co-written by Clint Bentley. The film draws inspiration from “The Sing Sing Follies” by John H. Richardson and “Breaking The Mummy’s Code” by Brent Buell.
“Sing Sing” is deeply rooted in the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. It revolves around Divine G (portrayed by Colman Domingo), who is wrongfully incarcerated at Sing Sing and finds purpose through participation in director Brent Buell’s theater group alongside other imprisoned men. The group also features real-life formerly incarcerated males portraying themselves, adding a layer of authenticity to the film. The arrival of a wary newcomer, “Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, portrayed by himself, challenges the group dynamics.
From the moment the opening credits rolled on “Sing Sing,” one of my favorite Aristotle quotes came to mind: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” While “Sing Sing” takes place in a prison, the narrative structure never goes full on “Shawshank” or “Oz.” Instead, director Greg Kwedar and his talented cast tap into finding the silver lining no matter how dire your situation currently is.
Domingo leads the cast in a performance (that will surely put him in awards talks). Naturally, we all know that Domingo can deliver a powerful monologue, but there are moments in “Sing Sing” where the actor takes us on a journey of confidence and anguish with this eye. One of the best moments in the film occurs for his character during a parole hearing, and Domingo knocks it out of the park. Additionally, the other actors, including Sean San José and Paul Raci, more than hold their own.
The real-life gentlemen who portray the formerly incarcerated versions of themselves also bring remarkable realism to their roles. The script astutely avoids delving into specifics or presenting flashbacks that reveal the reasons behind their incarceration. That said, the supporting acting MVP of the film is Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin. Initially, his character appears to be a villain, but with a natural charisma, he reveals layers to his persona. I’ll be shocked if the studio doesn’t push Maclin for a Best Supporting Actor nod come award season. He has a beautiful moment where he mentions shifting their play from drama to comedy to the other inmates. While the play is titled “Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code,” I won’t go into specifics about the plot other than saying it’s a blend of numerous genres that somehow just works.
I want to inform potential viewers that the film has a deliberately slow pace, which may turn off some mainstream filmgoers. However, those who stick with the film will easily experience one of the year’s best films.
Final Grade: A
“Sing Sing” is currently in limited release and expands this Friday, August 2nd.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.