Sing Sing

Refusing to define people by their mistakes, Sing Sing inspires with a hard-earned message of redemption and humanity within the bleakest of settings.

Based on true events and characters, this low-budget drama is an even-handed glimpse into a ragtag theater troupe at the titular maximum-security facility in upstate New York that resonates with authenticity, effectively balancing humor with poignancy along the way.

Immersive and insightful, it’s a story of resilience that doubles as an eloquent examination of the power of art to transcend cultural differences and provide a vessel for healing and hope.

The film quickly illustrates the dichotomy within the daily life of Divine G (Colman Domingo), as he delivers a majestic Shakespeare monologue on stage, and moments later lines up in a jump suit to face an abusive prison guard.

Divine G’s primary role these days is a wise sage who spearheads stage productions among his fellow inmates. Finding recruits with the right demeanor can be a challenge, although he takes a chance in mentoring Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin), who has a reputation as a hothead prone to violent outbursts.

Divine Eye reluctantly auditions and wins a role in an original comedy written by the theater program’s director (Paul Raci), which hardly suits Divine G’s more classical background and tastes.

While many of the castmates aren’t enamored with theater, the project offers an escape from real-life drama, such as family issues and parole frustrations. However, opening night becomes endangered by myriad distractions, self-inflicted and otherwise.

Domingo provides an emotional anchor with a richly textured performance, benefiting from closeups to accentuate his use of body language and facial expressions. Maclin, a big-screen newcomer playing a fictionalized version of himself, conveys a captivating screen presence.

Despite some sentimental tendencies and forced optimism in the second half, the screenplay by Clint Bentley (Jockey) and director Greg Kwedar (Transpecos) builds sympathy and compassion for its characters without passing judgment or dwelling on their circumstances. And while it hints at potential injustices, the film also doesn’t blindly excuse their flaws or misdeeds.

These are men burdened to varying degrees by anger, guilt, regret, and disillusionment. Sing Sing digs beneath their tough-guy exteriors to find a collective vulnerability and desire for a second chance, ultimately in the outside world.

Rated R, 107 minutes.