Sing Sing (2023)

Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.

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Main Cast

Colman Domingo

Clarence Maclin

Sean San Jose

Paul Raci

Main Crew

Directed by Greg Kwedar

Based On "The Sing Sing Follies"

Where To Watch

For rent on multiple streaming services.

On HBO Max 03/20/25

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Label me a fan of "people in rooms talking" in film. Glengarry Glen Ross all day!! The "room" in this film is a prison and the talking IS the plot.

Colman Domingo blah blah blah. We all know how good he is and was in this film. To me, it was everyone else that made this so special. Real prisoners who were a part of the RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts) program return to "prison" to portray themselves. This isn't the first time we've seen the real people of a story play themselves but it is the first time it truly works.

There's an easiness in getting to know every one of the main players. We aren't introduced to them but allowed into their circle as we learn who they are as guests in their world. And this method succeeds in its effort to endear us to them all. And it makes every decision and every action have weight and consequence.

Sing Sing, with its $2 Million budget succeeds where so many films with astronomical budgets fail because of the characters. I have said this so many times before, but if a filmmaker doesn't respect or care about their characters, why should we? It is abundantly clear that Greg Kwedar knows this and embraces it. Each scene plays out like a mini-play on its own. And each one gives a deeper look into every character.

But, if there is one scene to highlight it would have to be the parole hearing scene. If it doesn't want to make you jump into the TV and slap officials something is wrong with your heart. And Colman Domingo tears at our hearts with his desperation and his disbelief. Not easy to do but he does it exquisitely.

While not having an overarching plot or theme, the film is a lesson in growth and transformation. None more so than Clarence Maclin. One of the former prisoners who was a member of the RTA program, Maclin plays a fictionalized version of himself and is the true breakout star. His story isn't new but because he plays from experience, it adds a depth traditional characterization could only scratch the surface of. His arc is the most satisfying of the film and also of recent memory.

Clarence Maclin

"Sing Sing" is a film from a bygone era but in the same breath one exactly for our time. Outstanding performances, cinematography, music, and direction takes you on an emotional rollercoaster only true cinema can.

"I wouldn't even be here without you, beloved"