These are the actual audition tapes used to cast the film
Divine G, imprisoned in Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds meaning by performing in a theater group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art. Early in the 2000s, the film stars actors auditioning for various parts in the play. The group is criticized for not doing comedy, but their previous play was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is a comedy.
Blades was composed by Bryce Dessner
He is starring in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Anna Faris/ Colman Domingo/ Jose Medeles (2024). It was a very competently and professionally made film that is somewhat marred by the lack of major plot elements. The film itself is mostly solid on all technical fronts.
Unfortunately, that’s how it feels throughout the film
The dialogue is real and raw, the arc and pacing are just right, and the acting is extremely solid. However, the film doesn’t really stand out in any of these aspects. There’s a lot of good stuff going on: layered conversations and meanings, nice musical choices, understood stakes.
But it’s nothing truly exemplary
Perhaps the film’s greatest sin is its devotion to the character-driven drama genre. I can certainly appreciate the slow burn, but there are long stretches of the film where nothing happens and on some level have no impact on the plot. Maybe that’s just my opinion – the film’s atmosphere works great, combined with the shaky style of photography, adding a real and raw energy.
It’s definitely worth watching, but for me it ends up being a bit boring
It’s worth it if the central theme or plot, if there is one, is obscured. Ultimately, it’s a good film that I’m sure will be a big hit with some people.