The blood flows thick and profusely in the film “Is God Is,” which is accurately rated R for audiences to view with a spectacle of amazement.
As someone who hasn’t seen the theatrical play written and directed by Aleshea Harris, I didn’t quite know what to expect from this film. And my, my, my, the wild goose chase that co-stars Racine (Two-Time Tory winner Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson) endure along the road to destruction, is mind-blowing.
The number of times my jaw dropped and my head cocked to the side in disbelief became fascinating to me because I was willing to ride along to see what happened next. This film is noted by the Director as a genre blend of Southern Gothic, western, and dark comedy that will make you sit with the content and ponder some thoughts. Because, literally, when the film ended, that is exactly what I wanted to do. I had to sit with it and truly grasp the level of rage that pulls you in and makes you ask yourself how far one will go when you can no longer bear the pain of resentment, abuse, and being forgotten.
The music most definitely adds a heightened experience to the film that will have you bobbin’ your head as the mess unfolds. The soundtrack brings the highs and lows so poetically, as a nod to H-Town’s chopped and screwed culture, that it puts you in a smooth groove to the next journey ahead.
And one significant cultural moment that stood out to me was the top-tier braiding. The gorgeous golden blonde hair that Racine and Anaia rock so effortlessly made me embrace their beauty in a culturally significant manner. The braids really became an added accessory that helped the twins uniquely shine on their own. I also found myself yelling, “Twin,” when one of the leads got into trouble and needed someone to step in for a tag-team moment.
Another unifying crisis that cannot be overlooked is the fact that this film courageously highlights how race and gender make Black women, in particular, vulnerable to domestic violence. Vivica Fox, Erika Alexander, and Janelle Monae each bring a unique perspective to these roles of Black women navigating domestic abuse in its various shades, hues, and colors.
Among the characters, I couldn’t wait to see my fave, Sterling K. Brown, act his natural bone off. Racine (Two-Time Tory winner Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson) are like a twin yin and yang you didn’t know you needed until you watched this film.
This is superb acting that’s comical, thought-provoking, and downright WTF action. I recommend this film if you’re not afraid of the horror genre and want to see perspectives in film writing and characters you don’t often see in theaters. This is definitely a moment to gather your friends, grab a bite to eat, and discuss the film.
