When it comes to prison dramas, perhaps no film will ever top…Escape Plan. Okay okay, The Shawshank Redemption is considered the pinnacle of this particular subgenre, but there are many classic films set behind bars, most of which center on the indomitable will it takes to endure. A24 might have the next great prison drama on its hands with Sing Sing, based on the true story of a theatre troupe that puts on a play to escape the brutal reality of their incarceration.
While much of the cast consists of former prison inmates, the big name at the top of the bill is Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. He’s joined in Sing Sing by Paul Raci, Sean San José, and an apparent breakout performance by Clarence Maclin.
The film is directed by Greg Kwedar, and draws inspiration from the real-life theatre workshop at Sing Sing Correctional Facility used to help rehabilitate inmates.
Here’s the synopsis: A theater troupe finds escape from the realities of incarceration through the creativity of putting on a play in this film based on a real-life rehabilitation program and featuring a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors.
Sing Sing made its world premiere at TIFF last year, where Domingo was awarded the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. It will head next to SXSW before arriving in theaters in July 2024.
