Alfre Woodard gives a notably affecting and compelling portrayal of a prison warden tasked with overseeing executions. Her character, "Bernadine," struggles more and more to balance the demands of her position with her personal beliefs and marriage. These internal conflicts are exacerbated when one execution doesn’t go as planned, leading to heightened attention on her as Aldis Hodge's character, "Woods," is next in line. The acting between Woodard and Wendell Pierce, who plays her husband “Jonathan,” a man both devoted and increasingly frustrated, proves effective, presenting a striking depiction of a woman struggling between maintaining professional detachment – since she’s fulfilling her duties – and confronting the gravity of her work alongside her own shortcomings and spiritual doubts. The supporting plot elements, including last-minute legal challenges, are less successful; Richard Schiff's performance as the defendant’s lawyer "Lumetta" feels underwhelming—a man seemingly attempting to offer hope founded on unlikely technicalities and wishful thinking. Director Chinonye Chukwu unfolds this emotional narrative deliberately, which is occasionally beneficial in allowing a deeper connection with “Bernadine’s” internal struggles; however, at times, the story would benefit from a quicker tempo. The final product doesn't quite live up to its individual strengths, but it remains an interesting exploration of accountability within situations that are thankfully beyond most people’s reach.

Source on TMDB