At Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, a group of inmates participate in theatre games as part of a Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Talented writer and actor John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo), takes part in recruiting new members including the adversarial Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (playing himself) who goes against Divine G’s suggestion of his own dramatic work as the basis for their next production, arguing for a comedy instead.

Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing, the movie also stars many real-life former alumni. It is a difficult task for any actor to play themselves in a production, so the authenticity they bring to their on-screen personas is an achievement and an absolute highlight of the movie.

While he served as a very unlikable antagonist in The Color Purple (2023), Colman Domingo is equally believable here as a Renaissance man throwing his whole self at the program as a writer and soulful actor. Becoming a natural leader of the group in the pursuit of his art, Divine G uses the group to care for his mental health and constructively process his emotions while fighting for his early release. Divine Eye is his foil. Understandably wary of authority and constructs, Divine Eye is a diamond in the rough the program, and its participants, are best placed to polish.

Verdict: An immersive and visceral experience that showcases the restorative and redemptive power of art in even the most challenging environments. 4 stars.

Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.