[SXSW 2024] SING SING -- Testimony to the Power of Storytelling

Review by Jonathan Berk

Every time you invest time in a film festival, you hope to see something that blows you away. Sing Sing set the bar so high as an opening night film at SXSW. The story is inspiring. The performances are breathtaking. It's a powerful film showcasing the power of art and storytelling through incredible characters based on a true story. 

Divine G. (Colman Domingo) is imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit. While working to appeal his case, he finds purpose by acting in a theater group with other incarcerated men. After their recent performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, they recruit Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin), who joins with some reluctance. He proposes a change in tone for their next performance, and they start to prepare the troop's first comedy. ​

Maclin gives an absolute example of a star-making performance. He is up against an incredible, Oscar-nominated actor and manages to outshine even him. To give full credit to Domingo, he not only gives an impressive performance but is willing to share the screen with his fellow actors. That space may be why Maclin stole the show, but it seems more likely that's an impressive raw talent. He delivers in so many ways that seeing what happens next will be exciting.

The story being told in this film feels so essential. It is both about the redemptive qualities of storytelling and a great reminder that the people in jail are precisely that: people. Humanity is on full display in this film. Life is not always easy to look at, but you must. Many of the other actors in this movie are former inmates who were part of the theater program. They all get incredible moments, and every character can have a moment that feels organic. 

As if the film wasn't impressive enough, the Q&A after the screening at SXSW elevated the content even more. Each member of the cast and crew that spoke somehow elevated off of the last. There was no denying the passion that each man put into this project. Their experience with the program and individual success stories add something to the film.

Over the last decade, filmmakers like Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao have opted to use real people instead of professional actors in their stories, as this brings a level of authenticity to the performance. However, sometimes, that authenticity comes at a loss in performance quality. That is not the case for Kwedar's film, as this cast has experience acting, which is obvious given the subject. 

Sing Sing is a film that we need to discuss. Everyone involved delivers an incredible message with heart and passion. However, it's important to note that it is also really entertaining. The film got tons of laughs and probably just as many tears. It's an incredible experience all around.

Sing Sing is screening at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, which runs March 8-16 in Austin, TX. 

Rating: 5/5