IS GOD IS
Starring: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox, Janelle Monáe, Erika Alexander, Josiah Cross, Mykelti Williamson, Xavier Mills, and Justen Ross
Director: Aleshea Harris
AMARÚ
Is God Is is powerful in every sense of the word. Aleshea Harris’ ferocious and focused direction and her tightly written script are funny and frightening in all the right moments, with an ensemble who know what to do with both. Vivica A. Fox kicks off the Kill Bill-like revenge plot with style, the entertaining dynamic between Mallori Johnson’s emotional Anaia and Kara Young’s rough Racine carry the heart of the film, while Sterling K. Brown caps it all off with a movie-stealing performance. Is God Is is poignant, hilarious, impactful, and thought-provoking in all the ways life itself can be.
ADRIANO
When you have a basic story, it takes real talent to elevate it to something that feels unique. Is God Is accomplishes just that. Sure, it devolves into familiar revenge story thematics. But what the film has to make up for that are two fascinating central characters (played excellently by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson) and a thoroughly engaging style that I only wish it had committed to even more. This is Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut, mind you! Despite my minor qualms, Is God Is is a great film that’s both raw and tender in a bizarre but captivating way.
