Is God Is is a 2026 American drama-mystery thriller film directed by Alicia Harris from a screenplay by Alicia Harris. The film premiered in the United States on May 15, 2026.
„Is God Is“" is a dark thriller with elements of Southern Gothic. The film is an adaptation of her award-winning theater play and carries a strong authorial presence - a mixture of tragedy, poetic language and raw violence. This is not a typical revenge film, but rather a stylized, almost mythological story about pain, identity and the choice between hate and forgiveness.
The story follows twin sisters – Racine and Anaya – who bear severe physical and emotional scars from their childhood. They receive a call from their mother, a mysterious figure called „God“, who lies bedridden and reveals the truth about the tragedy that has marked their lives. The girls learn that their father is the cause of their suffering and are given a clear mission – to find and kill him. Thus begins their journey through different places and encounters with unusual characters that shape this almost allegorical odyssey.
As the story unfolds, the journey becomes not just a physical pursuit, but an internal exploration – what justice means, can violence bring healing, and what remains of a person when they are defined by their trauma. The film deliberately avoids a realistic tone and instead builds a world that is both theatrical and symbolic.
Alesha Harris approaches the film with a highly theatrical style – the dialogue is rhythmic, almost poetic, and the scenes often have a staged feel rather than classic cinematic realism. Visually, the film uses minimalism, contrast and symbolism, which reinforces the sense of a parable. Genre-wise, it balances between thriller, western and psychological drama – a combination that creates a unique, but not always easily accessible tone.
Kara Young with Racine being the more expressive of the two sisters – her presence is raw, direct and often dominating.
Mallory Johnson as Anaya offers a quieter and more internally constructed performance that serves as an emotional balance.
Sterling K. Brown In the role of the father ("The Monster") he brings weight and threat without relying on excessive expression.
Vivica A. Fox as the mother ("God") is one of the most interesting figures – mystical, authoritative, and almost beyond reality.
Janelle Monae contributes a strong supporting presence, adding another layer to the film's strange world.
The cast works as an ensemble, in which each character is more of a symbol than a fully realistic person.
„Is God Is“" is a bold and unconventional film that will not appeal to everyone. It is not a classic thriller, but rather a stylized tragedy that uses the language of cinema as a form of theater. Its strength lies in its atmosphere, ideas and acting performances, but these same qualities can make it difficult to perceive for viewers looking for a more traditional narrative. This is a film for those who appreciate auteur cinema, symbolism and heavy themes - a story that remains more of a feeling than a classic narrative.
