Movie Review: Sing Sing

Launched in New York state’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program aims to use theatre, writing, music, and more to help inmates better cope with their newfound situation and develop skills that prepare them to return to life outside of prison. With participants reportedly experiencing a recidivism rate of under 3%, compared to the national average of over 60%, the program has proven to be highly effective, and one that practically begs to be turned into an uplifting movie.

John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo) has been sent to Sing Sing for a crime he did not commit. Despite running through countless appeals and proving prosecutorial bias, he remains locked up. Through the prison’s RTA program however, he feels a sense of purpose. Serving as a cochair for the group, helping director Brent Buell (Paul Raci), mentoring the other members, and even writing original material allows him to find some modicum of peace and happiness while he continues to try and regain his freedom.

With his best friend “Mike Mike” (Sean San José), John tries to learn more about potential recruit “Divine Eye” (Clarence Maclin). While they seem to harbor some misgivings about the man, they are impressed by his apparent knowledge of at least some Shakespeare and ultimately encourage him to enroll. On his first day with the group, he suggests that they tackle a comedy next, to which everyone agrees and which Brent volunteers to write, in order to include all of the wildly divergent ideas that had been bandied about. While it initially takes Divine Eye some time to open up in the ways the program demands, John gradually gets through to him as preparations are made for their performance.

The story doesn’t really go anywhere unexpected, but it thrums with so much positive energy that it’s hard not to get wrapped up in it. The naturalistic lighting and Greg Kwedar’s unobtrusive directorial style give it the feel of a documentary, which is only enhanced by the fact that the majority of the cast is made up of real ex-inmates who have taken part in the program. Whoever was coaching them in the RTA must be truly gifted as each of these men give strong performances, with Maclin’s turn proving especially effective. Established actor Domingo also excels as the proud but long-suffering Whitfield, inspiring and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Hollywood loves movies about the importance of art, a sentiment I am only all too quick to back-up, but few stories have made as convincing a case as Sing Sing. Membership in the RTA program allows these men a temporary escape from their bleak surroundings, an opportunity to explore the emotions they are regularly told to suppress, and a real chance to grow as human beings. Watching them do so is an infectiously joyful experience that should leave most viewers smiling from ear to ear and may even restore at least a little of their faith in their fellow man. ★★★★★