'Is God Is' is a ferocious, timely tale of misogyny — and revenge
NPR • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Is God Is, Aleshea Harris's feature debut adapted from her play, explores the trauma inflicted by a serially abusive father on his twin daughters, intertwining themes of family dysfunction, violence against women and children, and revenge.
- The film centers on sisters Racine and Anaia, scarred both physically and emotionally by their father's cruelty, as they embark on a quest to fulfill their mother's dying wish to kill their abusive father.
- Through its narrative and characters, Is God Is critiques societal tendencies to excuse and protect abusive men, reflecting real-world cases where perpetrators are defended despite their violent actions.
- The film's visual style and storytelling are praised for their richness and emotional depth, though some critics note the climax and final confrontation lack the impact of earlier sequences.
- Overall, Is God Is is lauded as a powerful, timely parable addressing misogyny and trauma, showcasing Harris's clear vision and promising filmmaking debut.