Sing Sing (2024)

Maximum security prison Sing Sing offers the theater program RTA -- Rehabilitation Through the Arts -- to its inmates. Twice a year, they mount a stage production: they vote on a play, audition for parts, build sets, rehearse, and everything else that goes into putting on a play. The men in the group treat each other with respect and are able to be vulnerable in the space they come to forget about real life for a while. 

It's very successful in using a new member of the program (Divine Eye) as our guide in demonstrating the difficulties faced when adapting to the group. Many of these men grew up in crime and have been incarcerated for a long time -- hardness is all they know and understand. Leaving their armor at the door is easier said than done, but it definitely can be done through patience and acceptance. The bulk of the cast are former RTA members and WOW. My honest opinion is that Colman Domingo (nominated for his performance) is one of the weaker players here.

All that said, of course this is inspirational. I mean, how could we possibly not be happy for these prisoners who embrace the opportunity to work together to create art? They've been presented with a way to be a part of something joyful rather than dark and find themselves in a trust fall, hoping that their participation won't wind up weakening them. But the inspiration seems to be despite the movie itself, which I found to lack clarity and focus.

B-