Plot

Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.

Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including wary newcomer (Clarence Maclin), in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.—A24

Participating in a small theater group composed of other prisoners gives Divine G, who is imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a crime he did not commit, a sense of purpose. Breakin' the Mummy's Code is an original production that they try to put on together. The Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which uses theater as a form of rehabilitation, includes these prisoners. Divine G, who is well-known for his acting prowess and emotional depth, becomes the leading playwright and performer under the direction of theater director Brent Buell. Divine G is committed to proving his innocence and regaining his freedom while pursuing his love of theater.

Divine G participates in the recruitment of new members for the group as they get ready for their upcoming production, including Divine Eye, a tough and combative prisoner with a challenging personality. At first glance, Divine Eye rejects acting and performance as a futile and deceptive endeavor. Divine G, on the other hand, sees theater as a healing and transformations process that facilitates people's inner connection. When the two men cannot agree on the genre of their next play, their conflict intensifies. The majority of the prisoners support Divine Eye's suggestion of a lighthearted comedy, while Divine G favors another drama to test his acting prowess. Their rivalry becomes more intense when Divine Eye tries out for the comedy's sole dramatic role, which irritates Divine G, who finds it hypocritical and perplexed by Divine Eye's choice.

Buell leads the inmates in acting exercises over the next few weeks, which are intended to help them access their emotions. While Divine Eye struggles, unable to connect with his emotions or the art of acting, Divine G excels at all the acting exercises with ease, showing vulnerability and motivating his peers. Nevertheless, Divine Eye starts to open up and take the program more seriously following a heart-to-heart discussion in which the two discuss their personal lives. He gains the respect of the group, including Divine G and Buell, as his acting abilities steadily get better.

In order to obtain permission for their production, the RTA group eventually presents a draft of the play to the prison's board of executives. To the surprise of the RTA group, the board approves the play despite a disorganized and inconsistent performance.

The death of Mike Mike, a fellow prisoner with whom Divine G had developed a close bond, rocks his world with sorrow and loss. At his subsequent parole hearing, Divine G gives an impassioned speech about how acting has improved his life, only to be taken aback when the interviewer asks if he is just acting at the time of the parole hearing. While Divine Eye's hearing is accepted and he is released, Divine G's parole is rejected.

Tensions increase prior to a dress rehearsal when Divine G has a breakdown and berates his fellow prisoners for their lack of dedication and the production's poor quality. He tries to battle Divine Eye out of frustration and disillusionment and leaves the performance, essentially banishing himself from the group.

Divine G withdraws over the next few days. After a while, Divine Eye reaches out, and they make up. Divine Eye assures him that he is always welcome to rejoin the group after Divine G apologizes for his outburst. Soon after, Divine Eye leaves the facility and is set free.

Divine G is released after passing his parole hearing a year later. He is greeted by Divine Eye, who waits outside. After an emotional reunion, the two drive off together, full of hope for the future. The movie ends with actual footage from Sing Sing's Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which shows the actors who played themselves in the movie performing in previous productions while they were still prisoners there.