Based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program (RTA) that began at New York’s maximum-security Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing is a powerful and important piece of American cinema. Mixing professional actors with the actual men who benefited from their time in RTA, the film is a sincere look at the humanity that truly defines one’s soul. 

Co-screenwriter Clint Bentley and director Kwedar purchased the rights to John H. Richardson’s 2005 Esquire article “The Sing Sing Follies”; carefully crafting their story to show the positive and lasting impact of the RTA program while paying respect to the men whose lives were enhanced through their participation. The filmmakers spoke to many of the men in Richardson’s article and ended up casting major roles with those who were formerly incarcerated; a move that enhances the power of the story. 

In his finest performance to date, Colman Domingo stars as the real-life “Divine G”, the nickname for John Whitfield, a founding member of RTA. When in high school, Whitfield was an aspiring playwright with a bright future, until societal issues and bad life decisions led him to Sing Sing. As Divine G immerses himself in the Arts by reading Shakespeare and writing plays, his mind goes beyond the unforgiving walls that surround him. The body is incarcerated. The heart and mind soar free. 

Domingo is a mesmerizing screen presence. We see Divine G’s joy when putting in the work to get the plays and performances just right. When all of the men are together in the practice room, his eyes and body are alive. Domingo uses every inch of his face and body to convey his character’s freedom to create and the great pleasure he derives from working with and helping his fellow man. 

Of course, there are times when  Divine G cannot disguise his pain. The pain of losing touch with family. The pain of losing time; losing years. The struggle to hold on to one’s humanity while suffering the tortures of the damned is a fight for one’s own sanity and soul. Domingo is incredible in conveying every emotion through a passionate and seemingly organic performance. There are no lies and nothing is false about what the actor does here. This is the most eloquent and deeply felt work yet from one of our finest actors. 

The filmmakers use a minimalist approach to their craft, knowing the characters and their perfect cast will bring out the film’s drama, humanity, and natural moments of levity. This is the personal story of the men who enriched their lives through RTA and it does them the greatest honor to let them tell their own tale. 

While searching for new recruits to join their close-knit troupe of performers, Divine G champions the inclusion of Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (masterfully played by the real life Maclin). Divine Eye is a tough-shelled man who has all but given up on getting a fair shake out of life. To the group’s surprise, Divine Eye suggests they try a comedy instead of the usual heavy dramatic works they are accustomed to performing. While Divine G is hurt at the group’s passing on his new play in favor of the new guy’s idea, he is struck by the vulnerability Maclin shows, stepping up his first time out of the gate with a good idea that gets the group’s creative juices flowing. It will come to pass that Divine G will take in unexpected life lessons from the group’s newest member, as the two men become mentor and mentee to one another, rotating the roles simultaneously. 

Clarence Maclin is tremendous. His is a dynamic turn and one filled with bottled rage and edginess, but the desire to be a good man. It is in the oasis of RTA where Maclin finds people who will see past the man and his mistakes. His humanity long challenged by society, now he is surrounded by those who will look into his heart. Divine G and the men in RTA see a good soul in Maclin, thus allowing him to reclaim his humanity. As an actor, Maclin is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. His performance (and his truth) is nothing short of profound. 

Two more wonderful performances (in a film full of them) are Paul Raci as Brent Buell, the volunteer who visits the prison to run the program, and Sean San José as Mike Mike, Divine G’s friend, confidant, and fellow RTA member. The rest of the cast is made up of actual alumni of the RTA program. Sean Dino Johnson, David Giraudy, Mosi Eagle, Patrick Griffin, and James Williams do fine work, endearing themselves to the audience through their honesty. Experiencing the camaraderie these men have is inspiring. These are bonds that will last a lifetime. It is fascinating to see them doing acting exercises, auditioning for roles, and cutting up with one another. These moments are authentic and cinematographer Pat Scola keeps his camera at a short distance, using close-ups only when necessary, assuring the atmosphere of truth isn’t disturbed. 

The failures of the American “justice” system can chip away at the spirit of anyone caught in its unforgiving grasp. It inflicts the type of psychological pain that can tear a man down. Sing Sing is a testament to the men who desired to rise above it all and refused to let themselves be defined by their past. What the filmmakers and their cast have done is to create a picture rich in compassion, kindness, and brotherly love. This is an incredibly touching and profoundly moving experience of hope. 

Sing Sing will find its way into your soul.

Sing Sing

Written by Clint Bentley & Craig Kwedar (based on “the Sing Sing Follies” by John H. Richardson and “Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code” by Brent Buell)

Directed by Craig Kwedar

Starring Coleman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, Paul Raci, Sean Dino Johnson, David Giraudy, Mosi Eagle, Patrick Griffin, James Williams

R, 105 Minutes, A24, Black Bear, Edith Productions