SING SING is a masterfully crafted true story showcasing how art has the power to provide a form of catharsis, despite being shackled down by your harsh realities.
The film follows Divine G within the SING SING correctional facility, a real life prison based in New York, played by recent Oscar Nominee, Colman Domingo. He has been imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer.
Directed by Greg Kwedar, he gives us a unique insight into prison life that we haven't seen on the big screen. We are presented with a group of men who are building towards making a big theatre production. This group is led by facilitator 'Brent', played by former Oscar Nominee Paul Raci and aided by Colman Domingo's Divine G. We learn about their creative attributes, shown through a series of auditions and rehearsals, but the most interesting part was seeing how free the characters were despite being within a correctional facility. I feel that this was the main intention Greg Kwedar wanted to get across; that the arts allows these men to dissociate themselves from their real lives and enjoy life as it is, expressing themselves with lighthearted fun, as well as building this brotherhood as the film progresses. It begins as an acting exercise which quickly digresses into a search for identity and building a sense of community with one another.
We are presented with Clarence Maclin's character Divine Eye, who is a new member of the group, he's curious yet pugnacious and we can see how he wants to use the group to form new bonds, swaying him away from violence and mischief. Paired with Divine G, they form a great connection and the chemistry is so complimentary. It is incredible character growth seeing Divine Eye change and becoming the leading man by the end of it, outshining even a a former academy award nominee. Clarence Maclin was a former prisoner in Sing Sing, in real life and stepping back into this role and using his personal experience was evident in his sensational first performance. He is bold, creative and has a soft spot despite, his character putting on a serious front.
Colman Domingo continues to highlight his excellent acting prowess. Divine G is a supportive beam of hope for the group in Sing Sing. He gives guidance when most require it, especially with Divine Eye, but we see how internally he is suffering. Throughout the movie his character breaks down bit by bit due to not being able to find a way out of false imprisonment. Despite this, he continuously aids those around him. He learns the importance of his role and the impact he has.
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SING SING is a beautifully shot masterpiece by Cinematographer Pat Scola, known for previous works such as A Quiet Place: Day One. It captures prisons like no other, further reinforcing this theme of hope and having a positive outlook on life. Every scene is so delicately crafted with a warm and soft feeling rather than harsh tones, as we'd normally see. This isn't a story about the despair of prison life, it's a story showing how characters can find an ounce of joy within the captivity they're in and Pat Scola captures that perfectly, which definitely should earn him an Academy Award nomination.
The film is also perfectly accompanied by a riveting score by Bryce Dessner and a musical masterclass by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada, which will constantly bring a smile to your face, whilst also making you contemplate within the tense moments.
Overall, SING SING is a magnificent triumph in filmmaking by Director Greg Kwedar and his ensemble of incredible actors, both experienced and first time, showcasing themes of brotherhood and finding optimism in the most difficult of situations.
This will STEAL all the Awards!
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