Ray Leach
Sing Sing (directed by Greg Kwedar, 2024) delivers a stunning story and underscores the importance of community, creative play and empathy. This film is a must-watch for men, as well as theatre nerds and even those who hate theatre. The following review does not include spoilers.
Limitless creativity in a world of boundaries
A24’s film Sing Sing invites us inside the walls of Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York. We follow Divine G (Colman Domingo), who, imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose in acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men – including a wary newcomer. The prison’s original theatre scheme is known as ‘Rehabilitation Through the Arts’.
The film’s approach feels adjacent to a documentary, utilising real people, stories, quotes, locations and lighting so that the audience can get inside the minds of those doing time.
The story’s motif of creativity as bringing joy and healing to all is a beautiful reminder and makes for an emotional watch. Seeing the men remember how to play is wonderful. Through dance, song and dress-up they deepen their emotional connections to each another and to themselves. They reveal a vulnerability that they didn’t know was possible.
Stellar performances
Masterful actor and playwright Colman Domingo delivers a stellar performance as the protagonist. We feel his character’s love for the theatre group bleed through the screen. His dedication to the play is so intense even that it risks causing a rift between the brothers.
Composer Bryce Dessner has orchestrated the perfect original soundtrack for the film. It never pulls your attention away from the subjects on screen. Instead, the music fills each cell block with a sense of warm, thick air. You can feel the stale sadness and heavy hearts in every scene.
Cinematographer Patrick Scola shot the film using Super 16 and mostly opted for a handheld approach. The stunning choice of film creates a natural, textured and timeless feel. Each frame is drenched in warmth, which separates the film from typical prison blockbusters.
One crucial takeaway
One final takeaway for me to carry throughout day-to-day life is to stay goofy. Don’t let the tragedies of life prevent you from enjoying yourself and connecting with those around you. Camaraderie and creativity prevail.
