Colman Domingo portrays inmate actor and playwright John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield in this profound ensemble drama.
Colman Domingo was only up for a Best Actor Oscar earlier this year but he could be back in the mix next year thanks to Sing Sing.
Set inside Sing Sing maximum-security prison in New York, Greg Kwedar’s drama shines a spotlight on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) programme, which gives inmates the opportunity to star in original stage productions inside the facility.
John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield (Domingo) is an RTA veteran who often writes their plays and bags the meatiest, most dramatic role for himself. However, this year, a newcomer named Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin (played by himself) joins the group, suggests doing a comedy and lands himself that coveted part.
The group’s leader Brent Buell (Paul Raci) conjures up the wacky time-travelling musical comedy called Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. Despite losing the part he wanted, Divine G helps the tough guy Divine Eye with his scene and they form a friendship.
Remarkably, more than 85% of the cast members were formerly incarcerated at Sing Sing and part of RTA during their time inside. Many play versions of themselves, most obviously Divine Eye, while professional actors Domingo and Raci also portray real people.
This means Sing Sing feels very grounded and authentic and the characters are well-rounded and three-dimensional, which prisoners are rarely depicted as on screen.
The film is a clear demonstration of the transformative power of the arts. The RTA programme gives its members a sense of purpose and direction as well as the freedom to express their feelings through acting. It also provides them with an opportunity to work as a team and build friendships, and the bond between Divine G and Divine Eye is the emotional core of the film.
This all sounds very serious, but there are plenty of laughs to be had watching the men audition, do silly acting exercises and bring their bonkers comedy to life.
It’s mostly an ensemble piece but Domingo has several scene-stealing moments that leave a lasting impression. There are a couple of scenes where he’ll blow you away with his emotionally raw performance. He forms a strong partnership with Maclin, who is so natural that it’s hard to believe this is his first screen role.
Sing Sing is a beautiful, profound film that encourages you to look at inmates and prison life a little differently.
In cinemas from Friday 30th August.
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