2019·Drama·1h 52m
7.0
★
Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden Bernadine Williams. As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill.
Directed by Chinonye Chukwu
prison
death row
lethal injection
prison warden
woman director
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Alfre Woodard
Warden Bernadine Williams
Richard Schiff
Marty Lumetta
Aldis Hodge
Anthony Woods
Wendell Pierce
Jonathan Williams
Danielle Brooks
Evette Wilkinson
Michael O'Neill
Chaplain David Kendricks
Richard Gunn
Deputy Thomas Morgan
LaMonica Garrett
Major Logan Cartwright
Vernee Watson
Mrs. Collins
Dennis Haskins
Mr. Collins
John Churchill
Officer Brooks
Alex Castillo
Victor Jimenez
Crew
Chinonye Chukwu
Director
Chinonye Chukwu
Writer
Kathryn Bostic
Original Music Composer
Eric Branco
Director of Photography
Regina K. Scully
Executive Producer
Kathryn Bostic
Executive Producer
Alfre Woodard
Executive Producer
Eric Shamm Watson
Stunt Double
Jackie Johnson
Dialogue Editor
Popular Reviews
33 reviews
Dustin Franklin
7.0★ · 07/28/25
Alfre Woodard is so, so good.
Alfre Woodard is so, so good.
Kalin
3.9★ · 04/20/25
The real thing that deserved a death sentence was the script, i should start a "Waste of good actors" list.
The real thing that deserved a death sentence was the script, i should start a "Waste of good actors" list.
Em
This is a compelling picture of the death penalty and its devastating implications. It was uncomfortable to get through, as it should be. Incredibly acted and doesn’t shy away from what it tackles. For those who haven’t experienced the carceral system or thought deeply about its machination, I think this is an outstanding piece for thought provocation and to spur more learning.
However, it fell a bit flat for me as someone with personal experience with the carceral system. The film centers the warden who seems thoroughly unsuited to do her job. How did she get to where she is? I wish they would have delved into the complexities of her character more, how does she justify the work she is doing and how does she cope with it? Her side plots seemed a bit undeveloped, as did the story of Anthony himself. I would have enjoyed an even more raw and morally grey and fearless look at this system and those inside of it than this film provides.
However, it fell a bit flat for me as someone with personal experience with the carceral system. The film centers the warden who seems thoroughly unsuited to do her job. How did she get to where she is? I wish they would have delved into the complexities of her character more, how does she justify the work she is doing and how does she cope with it? Her side plots seemed a bit undeveloped, as did the story of Anthony himself. I would have enjoyed an even more raw and morally grey and fearless look at this system and those inside of it than this film provides.
This is a compelling picture of the death penalty and its devastating implications. It was uncomfortable to get through, as it should be. Incredibly acted and doesn’t shy away from what it tackles. For those who haven’t experienced the carceral system or thought deeply about its machination, I think this is an outstanding piece for thought provocation and to spur more learning.
However, it fell a bit flat for me as someone with personal experience with the carceral system. The film centers the warden who seems thoroughly unsuited to do her job. How did she get to where she is? I wish they would have delved into the complexities of her character more, how does she justify the work she is doing and how does she cope with it? Her side plots seemed a bit undeveloped, as did the story of Anthony himself. I would have enjoyed an even more raw and morally grey and fearless look at this system and those inside of it than this film provides.
However, it fell a bit flat for me as someone with personal experience with the carceral system. The film centers the warden who seems thoroughly unsuited to do her job. How did she get to where she is? I wish they would have delved into the complexities of her character more, how does she justify the work she is doing and how does she cope with it? Her side plots seemed a bit undeveloped, as did the story of Anthony himself. I would have enjoyed an even more raw and morally grey and fearless look at this system and those inside of it than this film provides.
Davechild
5.0★ · 06/24/20
It’s a quiet movie that doesn’t let its dialogue get in the way, which I appreciate, but somehow it wasn’t as effective as it should have been.
It’s a quiet movie that doesn’t let its dialogue get in the way, which I appreciate, but somehow it wasn’t as effective as it should have been.
sophiaPRO
7.0★ · 06/18/20
aldis hodge was so good in this. I know its about alfre woodard and she was great also but his performance deserves recognition too
aldis hodge was so good in this. I know its about alfre woodard and she was great also but his performance deserves recognition too