With ‘Clemency,’ Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard seems to have another intense film to her credit that would make her a serious contender in the award circuit. Writer-director Chinonye Chukwu’s story follows the life of a prison warden who has spent years carrying out death row executions.
The film is expected to be an emotionally draining one where we can see warden Bernadine Williams (Woodard) struggling and trying to confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates. In the process, she ultimately connects to a prisoner who is awaiting justice, and who she is sanctioned to kill.
Here is the trailer of ‘Clemency’
So far, whatever we have learned from the trailer and the film promotion, the story is about the struggle of individuals involved in delivering capital punishment and also the need to humanize the situation. Alfre Woodard’s character in the film appears to be sensitive to her inmates, but there are legal as well as social angles that remain in conflict.
As the death penalty has always been a subject of debate from the human rights perspective, ‘Clemency’ would certainly throw some light on that side. Moreover, it’s not just about prisoners but also about the whole system and the reasons many are advocating for clemency for many death row prisoners.
The movie ‘Clemency’ is the winner of the Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Those who have already watched the film at TIFF and Sundance are praising the acting of Alfre Woodard.
Movie: Clemency (2019)
Plot: Prison warden Bernadine Williams’ health has suffered as a result of years of carrying out executions on death row. Bernadine must face the psychological and emotional problems her job produces as she is ready to execute another prisoner since doing so would ultimately link her to the person she is authorized to kill.
Director: Chinonye Chukwu
Genre(s): Drama
Starring: Alfre Woodard, Richard Schiff, Danielle Brooks, Michael O’Neill, Richard Gunn, Wendell Pierce, and Aldis Hodge.
Release Date: December 27, 2019
Where to watch Clemency (2019)
