'Clemency': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and everything you need to know about the award-winning film
At a time like today, when reality TV star Kim Kardashian campaigned for the clemency of Alice Marie Johnson, the US penal and legal system have come under further scrutiny. With the death penalty debate still raging statewide, an upcoming movie will look at the issue from within the walls of a penitentiary.
'Clemency' won the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is set to release in theaters soon.
Release date
'Clemency' is scheduled to release in theaters on December 27th.
Plot
Bernadine Williams, a Death Row prison warden whose job has taken a psychological toll on her, must confront her demons when she has to execute another inmate. The inmate is Anthony Woods, who claims he is on death row for a murder he didn’t commit. Marty Lumetta, Woods' defense attorney is desperately trying to save his client’s life, filing appeal after appeal as the literal deadline for Woods’s execution nears. 'Clemency' was shot in a real penitentiary that is no longer in use.
Cast
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is an actress, producer, and political activist known for her roles in 'Passion Fish' and '12 Years a Slave'. She plays Warden Bernadine Williams. Woodard received critical acclaim for her performance and is considered a contender for the 2020 Academy Award for Best Actress.
Aldis Hodge
Aldis Hodge is an actor best known for his roles in 'Straight Outta Compton', 'Hidden Figures' and most recently 'City on a Hill'. In this movie, he plays the role of the inmate, Anthony Woods.
Richard Schiff
Richard Schiff is an actor and comedian known for his roles in 'The West Wing' and 'The Good Place'. He plays the role of Marty Lumetta, Woods' defense attorney.
Wendell Pierce
Wendell Pierce is an actor known for his roles in 'The Wire' and 'Jack Ryan'. He plays the role of Bernadine's husband, Jonathan Williams.
The movie also stars Danielle Brooks as Evette, LaMonica Garrett (The Flash fame) as Logan Cartwright, and Michael O'Neill as Chaplain Kendricks.
Director
Chinonye Chukwu
Chinonye Chukwu is a Nigerian-born, Alaskan-raised screenwriter, producer, and director. She wrote and directed 'Clemency'. Chukwu’s inspiration for the film came in September 2011 when an African-American man, Troy Davis, was executed in a Georgia prison.
Trailer
Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden Bernadine Williams. As she prepares to execute another inmate, she must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill.
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