NEWS

Based on the 2018 play of the same name, “Is God Is” tells the story of twin sisters, Anaia and Racine, played by Mallori Johnson and Kara Young, who are summoned by their dying mother and given the task of killing their father. A psychopathic abuser, their father attempted to kill their mother decades earlier by burning her. The twin sisters were severely burned in their attempt to save her. An intense film, “Is God Is” explores many themes, including abuse, manipulation, trauma, religion, revenge, and moral limits.

Wanting to respect their mother's dying wish and get revenge on their father, Anaia and Racine face challenges as they follow their father’s trail. Along the way, they grapple with their own questions of justice and righteousness, as well as understanding and rage. Mallori Johnson and Kara Young are outstanding as Anaia and Racine. Though two people, they often act as a singular character, the trauma of their childhoods having strengthened their bonds to the point that they can mimic each other and have entire conversations with body language alone. The rest of the cast is excellent, providing characters that will have the audience reflecting on long after the movie has ended.

Written and directed by Aleshea Harris, who also wrote the play, the movie version of “Is God Is” takes advantage of various elements of cinematography. Much of the story is told through narration and flashbacks, with the flashbacks being colored gray while present events are shot in full color. Many of the scenes with the father hide his eyes, focusing instead on his mouth, specifically his uncomfortably perfect teeth. The contrast between his deceptive smile and his personality is incredibly effective in making audiences uncomfortable and adds tension to each scene. Employing a similar technique in the acts of violence where the savagery is not fully revealed leads the audience down a path of more gruesome imaginings.

A compelling film, “Is God Is” will captivate audiences, for better or worse. Though intense to the point of disturbing at times, audiences will be mesmerized by the film from beginning to end.

9/10

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