The Prisoner's Song (2020) User Reviews

Sincere in its efforts, partly successful, but just a bit too on the nose

[bob the moo · 16 August 2020]

An interesting short film that juxtaposes a prisoner serving his time, and then in the time on parole trying to find his space back in life. The point being made is that there are similarities between these two places in terms of the isolation, the existence of cliques, and the emotional stress of life. It is patiently done, with serious black and white footage, and no real sensationalism - even a prison fight is sort of played out off camera while we observe a static object. The pace and tone helps it, and its point is well made. The problem is that it is hugely sincere and straight-forward in its message, and this made the film feel limited and a bit 'worthy' and a bit on the nose with how it made its point. Worth seeing for this, but then at the same time a bit weakened by it too.

a precise portrait of near reality

[Kirpianuscus · 17 June 2020]

A great movie. The white-black , the presence and look and yeas and gestures of Skeeta Jenkins, the slow storytelling, the thin line between detention and free life are the basic pieces defining this short film as more than a good one but as profound useful. Because it gives only a fine, inspired reflection, admirable portrait of the near reality.