36/26
These are actual audition tapes used to cast the film
Line of Events
Divine G, imprisoned in Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose performing in a theater group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art. As the film opens, the cast is auditioning for various roles in the play. The group has been criticized for not doing comedy, but their previous play was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is a comedy.
Blades composed by Bryce Dessner
Performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers: Anna Faris/Colman Domingo/Jose Medeles (2024). While this new independent film distributed by A24 is set inside a New York City prison, it is less a “prison movie” in the conventional sense and more an emotionally impactful and inspiring drama about how art—particularly theater—can rehabilitate people in need of rehabilitation. The film’s portrayal of this issue is genuine and heartfelt, and forms the cornerstone of an overall engaging story.
Colman Domingo plays the protagonist, who is incarcerated but helps lead the prison theater group
The film takes a while to really get going, but it still remains engaging and engaging. Domingo’s performance is great, displaying understated emotion in a way that leaves a strong impact on the viewer while also radiating a deep sense of compassion. The supporting actors are also excellent, with many of the supporting cast members seemingly having been incarcerated themselves.
I highly recommend it
The incorporation of the theater program into the narrative creates comic relief, but also pathos and a powerful bond between the inmates and the program director. “Sing Sing” isn’t perfect, as the development of the supporting characters could have been improved, but its beating heart and thoughtful, human tone are genuinely moving and memorable. 8/10.