Clemency Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A warden has a really, really bad day at work involving needles, lawyers, and existential dread, then she drinks a lot.

🍿 Clemency: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Warden Bernadine Williams

The film introduces Bernadine Williams, a seasoned prison warden responsible for overseeing death row executions. Years of carrying out these executions have taken a noticeable toll on her, manifesting as emotional detachment and insomnia. Bernadine maintains a professional demeanor, but the psychological strain is evident.

The Botched Execution

An early execution goes awry when the medical team struggles to find a suitable vein for the lethal injection. This incident deeply affects Bernadine, highlighting the inherent brutality and fallibility of the system. The botched execution serves as a catalyst for her internal struggle and growing emotional burden.

Anthony Woods and the Clemency Case

Anthony Woods, a death row inmate convicted of killing a police officer, awaits his execution. His lawyer fights for clemency, presenting evidence suggesting his innocence. Bernadine becomes increasingly drawn to Anthony’s case, grappling with the moral implications of potentially executing an innocent man.

Bernadine’s Internal Conflict

As Anthony’s execution date approaches, Bernadine experiences a growing internal conflict. She questions the nature of her work and its impact on her humanity. This struggle extends to her personal life, straining her marriage and leading to increased isolation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bernadine Williams (Alfre Woodard): A prison warden grappling with the psychological toll of overseeing executions.
• Anthony Woods (Aldis Hodge): A death row inmate awaiting execution while maintaining his innocence.
• Jonathan Williams (Wendell Pierce): Bernadine’s husband who struggles with her emotional distance and the nature of her work.
• Marty Lumetta (Richard Schiff): The attorney fighting for clemency for Anthony Woods, hoping to prevent his execution.
• Evette Wilkinson (Danielle Brooks): Anthony Woods’ former partner who provides a glimmer of hope for his legacy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Anthony Woods: “To the people about to take my life. May God have mercy on your soul.” – Anthony says this as his final statement before his execution, displaying a sense of forgiveness and acceptance.
• Bernadine Williams: “It’s not a job, it’s my profession.” – Bernadine states this to her husband, Jonathan, highlighting her deep commitment to her work despite the emotional toll.
• Marty Lumetta: “All any of us ever want is to be seen and heard.” – The attorney states this to Anthony, conveying the message that everyone deserves to have their voice and existence acknowledged, especially in the face of injustice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $364,716
• Worldwide Gross: $364,952

💥 Clemency Reviews

Personal Review

I saw Clemency at a small independent cinema, and it completely wrecked me. Alfre Woodard’s performance is phenomenal, and you can feel every ounce of her character’s internal struggle. There’s a scene near the end, just a close-up of her face, that’s more powerful than any action sequence I’ve ever seen. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s one that’s going to stick with me for a long time. It made me really think about the people behind the system.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Alfre Woodard”
  • “Viewers interested in social justice themes”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Individuals interested in the ethical complexities of capital punishment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of lethal injection execution”
  • “Themes of death and injustice”
  • “Mature themes and discussions of the death penalty”
  • “Some disturbing scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Alfre Woodard delivers a career-defining performance as Warden Bernadine Williams, capturing the quiet devastation of a woman wrestling with the moral implications of her job. The film’s slow burn approach and intimate focus on its characters creates a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Clemency is a somber and powerful film anchored by Woodard’s stunning portrayal of a woman burdened by her profession. While the film’s deliberate pacing may not appeal to all, its unflinching look at the death penalty and its impact on those involved is undeniably compelling.
• IndieWire: “Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency is a masterful and emotionally resonant film that explores the psychological toll of the death penalty with nuance and grace. Woodard’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, and the film’s profound message will linger long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Alfre Woodard’s acting was the main draw for most viewers.: Audiences appreciated the raw and emotional depiction of the characters’ inner conflicts.

The film’s thought-provoking exploration of the death penalty resonated with viewers.: Many found the movie to be a powerful and important commentary on the human cost of capital punishment.

Overall Consensus: Clemency is a critically acclaimed drama praised for Alfre Woodard’s powerful performance and its unflinching look at the psychological impact of the death penalty, though some find its pacing slow.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic))- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfre Woodard met with several prison wardens to prepare for her role, gaining insight into the psychological toll of overseeing executions.”
• “Aldis Hodge spoke with two men on death row as part of his research, providing him with firsthand accounts of their experiences.”
• “Director Chinonye Chukwu accompanied Woodard and Hodge during their research, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the subject matter.”
• “The filming location included the Sybil Brand Institute for Women, a former prison, adding to the realism of the prison setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Clemency?

Clemency is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and other on-demand providers for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region, so it’s best to check your local listings. You can also check local library systems which may offer the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Clemency, you might like these similar films:

• Dead Man Walking (1995): Explores similar themes of capital punishment and its impact on those involved, from the inmates to the prison staff.
• The Green Mile (1999): Features a supernatural element, while examining the emotional and moral complexities of death row and the guards who work there.
• Just Mercy (2019): Focuses on a lawyer fighting to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals on death row, highlighting the systemic injustices within the legal system.
• Monster’s Ball (2001): Depicts a prison guard’s evolving views on capital punishment after forming a relationship with the wife of an inmate he executed.

🛒 Clemency Related Products

• Clemency [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience the powerful performances and thought-provoking story in stunning high definition. A must-have for any serious film collector.
• Ethical Dilemmas in Criminal Justice: Leading Scholars on Contemporary Issues, Second Edition: An intense real world look at ethical choices and real world challenges in today’s legal system. A great book to further enhance what you experienced watching Clemency
• Brian Banks: Brian Banks a football star gets wrongly convicted and later exonerated years later. Aldis Hodge starred in this and also in Clemency and this would be a great additional watch.
• Death Row: The Final Minutes [DVD]: A real world documentary on what happens those last days on death row. This documentary is very informative and intense and will let you see a different side of death row.

🎧 Soundtrack

Clemency features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Slow Train” – performed by Kathryn Bostic
• “Invisible Man” – performed by Ralph Ellison

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Clemency, the violence of lethal injection.

Ever wondered about the graphic details in ‘Clemency’? This video breaks down the intense reality of lethal injection scenes, it’s a bit heavy, but super insightful!

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