Biblical parables are quite honestly one of my favorite types of narratives. Different adaptations of biblical stories a la ‘East of Eden’ have been a favorite of mine going back for many years. ‘Is God Is’ takes that very notion tears it up and then sets fire to the entire book. Aleshea Harris in her first outting delivers a story of vengeance that feels like a sermon. ‘Is God Is’ is this years IT film. The film we will be talking about come awards season. The film’s unique approach and 1970’s physique create a masterpiece of genre work and filmmaking.
Racine and Anaia are twins. Suspecting that their mother died in a fire set by their father, the same fire that left them horrifically burned, the twins receive a letter from their mother requesting that they come speak with her on her deathbed. Mother has but one request of the twins: kill their father. Harris’ ‘Is God Is’ is a parable. The story of good and evil, light and dark. Each character playing their role. This film is a stand out among stand outs.
A Fiery Vengeance
Pulling from a variety of sources all made famous in the 1970s, Harris gives audiences a much needed history lesson in just what film making is and should be. ‘Is God Is,’ of course, is filmmaking in it’s purist form. It’s original and artistic, beautiful and dark. The film tells a story bigger than itself, but never so nuanced that it goes over the audiences head. This film is substance AND style.
The story of vengeance, consequences, and family was elegantly presented. Harris presents her story as more about the beauty than the “ugly.” The director choosing to spend more time with the lighter side. The darker side almost always obliteraing a moment of calm. Harris tells a very measured story. That story is almost always two sided. The twins themselves showing the full effects of beauty, light, and dark. The tragedy pulses as the story unfolds, but hope is never extinguished.
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The same stylistic choices that make this film stand out will undoubtedly turn some away. ‘Is God Is’ is not for everyone as can be seen by some of the split in acceptance. My personal take on this is to give it a chance and if it doesn’t quite sit well with you, give it time and maybe see it again. Once the power and scope of the story hit you, your perceptions might change.
Cast the First Match
Twins are hard to get right in any setting. Twins have a certain connection that eludes other people who do not have a similar experience. Presenting that experience on screen has historically been near impossible. Most filmmakers failing to get the subtle nuances that make twins special, right. Kara Young and Mallori Johnson took impossible and hit it with a rock in a sock and bludgeoned the expectations.
The portrayal of Racine and Anaia by Young and Johnson was not only believable, but it was believable because it was authentic. The audiences believes that they are twins because they make you think that they are twins. Elegantly flawless in their performances, Young and Johnson nail what makes each twin unique. Young as Racine aggressively takes lead in every situation while Johnson as Anaia is measured, but never not without her sister’s back. There is a bright future ahead of both young actresses.
Of course, ‘Is God Is’ sports two icons of the industry. Vivica A Fox and Sterling K. Brown are electric as Mother and Man. Fox is decisive and pointed with her demand of her daughters. She is also subservient in flashbacks, moving from weakness to vengeance. Brown is terrifying. Calming portraying what can only be described as the devil. Brown’s Man is a calculated psychopath, quick to murder, empathetic to no one. Both, Fox and Brown provide career level performances.
Final Thought:
‘Is God Is’ is a story of vengeance ripped right from the pages of the Bible. Leaning heavily on a 1970s aesthetic and modern charm, ‘Is God Is’ is one of this year’s must see films.
