Clemency is a 2019 American drama film directed by Chinonye Chukwu and stars Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, Richard Schiff, and Wendell Pierce. The film follows the story of Bernadine Williams, a warden at a maximum-security prison who has spent years overseeing executions. Bernadine is a respected and well-regarded prison warden who is dedicated to her job, but as she prepares to carry out another execution, she begins to have doubts about whether she should continue in her role.
As the date of the scheduled execution approaches, Bernadine becomes increasingly closed-off and detached from her colleagues and family. She struggles to maintain a professional demeanour and is haunted by the knowledge that she holds another person's life in her hands. Against her better judgement, Bernadine forms a connection with the condemned man, Anthony Woods, who is facing the death penalty for a crime he claims he did not commit.
As she spends more time with Anthony, Bernadine begins to question the morality of the death penalty and whether the justice system is capable of rendering a fair and unbiased verdict. She becomes increasingly disillusioned with her job and the role she has played in executing dozens of people over the years. As the pressure builds, Bernadine is forced to confront her own ethical and emotional dilemmas, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion that will leave audiences questioning their own beliefs.