Is God Is: A Powerful Southern Revenge Drama with a Missed Opportunity
Aleshea Harris' debut feature, Is God Is, is a powerful exploration of family, revenge, and the struggles faced by Black women. The film follows the story of fraternal twins Racine and Anaia, played by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson, who embark on a journey to find and kill their father, the man who tried to burn their mother alive. The film is a strong narrative, but it is let down by its flat visuals and missed potential.
The film begins with a powerful scene of the twins as children, facing bullying and abuse. The audience is introduced to the concept of sisterhood and the importance of protecting each other. The film then jumps to the present, where the twins are fired from their jobs after Racine defends Anaia. This sets the stage for their journey to find their father, a man who has walked out of their lives and left them with a traumatic past.
The film follows a classic 'hero's journey' template, with the twins setting off on the open road and meeting a variety of eccentric characters. The first stop is a church run by the charismatic Divine, played by Erika Alexander, who bills herself as a healer. The twins also meet their half-brother Ezekiel, played by Josiah Cross, who becomes a problem later. The film then leads them to their father's former lawyer, Chuck, played by Mykelti Williamson.
The film's central performances are strong, with Sterling K. Brown perfectly embodying a sinister, otherworldly image of masculinity run amok. Brown's portrayal of the father is a powerful and thought-provoking moment, as he tries to justify his actions and blame his ex-wife for his violent behavior. The film also explores the idea of the 'God' in the title, with Vivica A. Fox playing the role of the mother, who gives life to the heroines. The film is a powerful representation of the dysfunction inherent in many Black American families, with Black men weighed down by white exploitation and bringing their frustrations home.
However, the film is let down by its flat visuals and missed potential. The South we see in Is God Is is a desolate, underpopulated landscape, which feels too neat and quiet for a story that should feel larger. The film's dialogue is strong and the performances are impressive, but the overall visual style is lacking. The film feels like a missed opportunity, as it has the potential to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of family, revenge, and the struggles faced by Black women.
In my opinion, Is God Is is a powerful and thought-provoking film, but it is let down by its flat visuals and missed potential. The film's central performances are strong, and the narrative is well-crafted, but the overall visual style is lacking. The film feels like a missed opportunity, as it has the potential to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of family, revenge, and the struggles faced by Black women.
