Arriving on Blu-ray this week is writer-director Aleshea Harris’ Is God Is, an adaptation of her acclaimed stage play. Blending Southern Gothic, revenge thriller, and dark comedy, the film features standout performances from Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, and Sterling K. Brown.
The story follows twin sisters Racine (Young) and Anaia (Johnson), who, as children, witnessed their father (Brown) set their mother (Fox) on fire. Both sisters survived but were permanently scarred—Racine bears severe burns on her arm, while Anaia’s injuries are etched across her face. After years in foster care and without any contact from their mother, the twins are stunned to receive a letter asking them to travel across the country to see her. Referred to only as “God” because she gave them life, their mother finally reveals the full truth behind the tragedy and delivers one final request: find their father and kill him.
From there, Is God Is transforms into a gripping road-trip revenge tale that leads the sisters to the seemingly idyllic new life their father has built since destroying their own. We already know Brown’s character is monstrous, but it quickly becomes clear that the darkness extends well beyond him. Stylish, emotionally charged, brutally violent, and unexpectedly funny, Harris crafts a singular genre experience elevated by exceptional performances across the board. It’s unfortunate that this bold and visually striking film went largely unnoticed during its theatrical run, but now that it’s available on Blu-ray, there’s no better time to discover one of the year’s most distinctive revenge thrillers.
