The performers deliver strong work given the material they were handed. However, I do have an issue with it: It strains credulity that a Black woman—already facing challenges—would hold a leadership role in what is probably a privately run prison system operating within a state known for injustice toward Black people, and still demonstrate compassion. The scenario feels so unrealistic that it borders on being comical…

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 …