Twin sisters hunt down a wayward dad in the inspired ‘Is God Is’

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Playwright Aleshea Harris delivers a striking first film with her adaptation of “Is God Is,” her award-winning play. This dark and dreamlike neo-noir follows twin sisters as they embark on a road trip to avenge the hardships of their childhood, guided by a request from their long-lost mother, hoping to find peace in the process.

Kara Young, a Tony Award winner, plays Racine, the outspoken and resilient twin sister. Mallori Johnson portrays Anaia, her quieter, more withdrawn sibling, who deeply resents being labeled as simply “emotional.” The author first shows us the girls as young children in a faded flashback, dressed alike and inseparable – they rely entirely on each other.

Today, the twins live remarkably similar lives, moving in perfect unison and communicating telepathically through subtitles that appear as typed words on the screen. We also see the burn scars on their bodies – Racine’s on her arm and Anaia’s on her face – which often cause strangers to react with shock, leading Racine to become defensive. They share a small space and cope with their pain together, tending to their scars. Though they are two distinct individuals – Racine filled with anger and Anaia with fear – they remain deeply connected through their psychic link.

The twins are shocked and thrilled to receive a letter from their mother, Ruby (Vivica A. Fox), whom they thought was lost forever. Ruby is very sick and badly burned from the same attack that left the twins scarred. In the letter, she recounts how their father (Sterling K. Brown) set her on fire and asks her daughters to seek revenge against a man they’ve never known.

Movies

You’ll find all the big, exciting movies from top directors like Spielberg, Nolan, and Ridley Scott, plus some interesting independent films.

Their journey begins on a dark and dangerous path, leading them to uncover the truth about their father – a man haunted by his own demons. This quest takes them across a vividly realized America, from the landscapes of the Deep South to the stark beauty of the Western desert. The world feels slightly surreal, yet believable, except for one haunting detail: their sister Ruby’s lingering, decades-old burns. While the story is full of eccentric characters and unbelievable luck, it’s grounded by the very real and painful history of abuse.

The sisters’ search leads them to Divine (Erika Alexander), a captivating preacher haunted by her past relationship with their father. Her contacts bring them to Chuck Hall (Mykelti Williamson), a lawyer who was silenced by their father but still offers crucial advice. They also discover twin brothers (Xavier Mills and Justen Ross) living a privileged life with their mother (Janelle Monáe), who appears wealthy and comfortable but is secretly trying to escape her controlling situation.

“Is God Is” isn’t a lighthearted, joyful play. Instead, it’s reminiscent of a classic film noir – Harris creates a world steeped in violence and decay, relentlessly heading towards a dark and tragic conclusion.

Lifestyle

The actor, known for their role in “Is God Is,” plans to relax with a float session at Beverly Hot Springs and attend a Lakers game.

What really struck me about this film wasn’t just the destination, but the way we got there. Director Harris, coming from a theater background, clearly has a gift for visual storytelling. The cinematography, by Alexander Dynan, is gorgeous, and the editing, handled by Jay Rabinowitz, gives the film a fantastic pace. It’s all beautifully underscored by a really unique and unsettling score from Joseph Shirley and Moses Sumney, which creates this dreamlike, almost otherworldly feeling throughout the entire movie. It’s a truly immersive experience.

However, it’s Young who truly captivates the audience. Her powerful and mesmerizing performance is a standout film debut for the well-known stage actress. While Johnson provides the film’s emotional core, Young is absolutely compelling as the volatile twin sister who fights fiercely against her evil father, brilliantly portrayed by Brown in a genuinely frightening performance unlike anything he’s done before.

“Is God Is” is a captivating and unsettling film that beautifully mixes magic with realistic social commentary. It’s a bold and stylish debut for director Harris, who was given the rare opportunity to fully realize her unique artistic vision. Seeing an artist express themselves so freely and with such a clear, powerful voice is truly special.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2026-05-15 20:01