ORION PICTURES UNVEILS EXPLOSIVE TRAILER FOR ‘IS GOD IS’: ALESHEA HARRIS MAKES BOLD DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
In a highly anticipated reveal, Orion Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios have dropped the official trailer for Is God Is, the upcoming revenge thriller that promises to deliver raw emotion, unhinged intensity, and a powerful exploration of family trauma. The film marks the feature directorial debut of acclaimed playwright Aleshea Harris, who also adapted her own award-winning 2018 stage play of the same name into the screenplay.
The trailer, released online amid growing buzz, wastes no time plunging viewers into a world of redemption, revenge, and rage. It centers on twin sisters Racine and Anaia—portrayed by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson—who bear disfiguring burn scars from a horrific childhood incident. Bedridden and scarred, their mother (Vivica A. Fox, in a haunting performance) declares herself “God” and tasks her daughters with a deadly mission: hunt down and kill their abusive father (Sterling K. Brown), the man responsible for setting her ablaze and shattering their family.
The footage is electric and unapologetically bold, blending gritty realism with stylized visuals. Intense close-ups capture the sisters’ determination as they embark on an epic road trip to “The Valley,” confronting not just their father but a tangled web of new family members, shady figures, and their own inner demons. The trailer’s tone—described by many as “bonkers” and “unhinged”—features dramatic confrontations, moments of quiet vulnerability, and bursts of visceral violence, all underscored by a pulsing soundtrack that amplifies the themes of vengeance and healing.
filmcombatsyndicate.com
IS GOD IS: Aleshea Harris Sets Ablaze From Stage To Screen With The Official Trailer To Her Feature Debut | Film Combat Syndicate
The stacked ensemble cast elevates the material further. Kara Young and Mallori Johnson anchor the story as the resilient twins, delivering performances that convey both fierce resolve and deep pain. Janelle Monáe appears as the father’s new wife, adding layers of tension and complexity. Supporting roles include Erika Alexander as a preacher, Mykelti Williamson as a shady lawyer, and Josiah Cross in a key part, rounding out a roster that promises powerhouse scenes across the board.
deadline.com
Janelle Monáe, Sterling K. Brown Movie ‘Is God Is’ Currently Filming
Harris’s transition from stage to screen feels seamless and ambitious. Her Obie-winning play, known for its poetic language and unflinching look at abuse, revenge, and identity, has been expanded into a cinematic experience that retains its theatrical roots while embracing visual storytelling. Produced by a talented team including Tessa Thompson, Kishori Rajan, Riva Marker, Janicza Bravo, and Harris herself, the film signals a fresh, culturally rooted voice in mainstream cinema.
thejasminebrand.com
Official Trailer – “IS GOD IS” starring Kara Young, Mallori Johnson & Vivica A. Fox with Sterling K. Brown – theJasmineBRAND
Early reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, with outlets praising its bold aesthetics, stellar casting, and unflinching tone. The story’s exploration of generational trauma, maternal authority, and the cycle of violence resonates deeply, while the revenge-driven plot keeps the energy high. Many are calling it a potential sleeper hit for the summer season.
Is God Is is slated for theatrical release on May 15, 2026, giving audiences plenty of time to anticipate what could be one of the year’s most provocative and talked-about films.
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Video: Kara Young Stars in First Trailer for IS GOD IS Film Adaptation
As the trailer circulates widely, excitement continues to build for Harris’s big-screen arrival. With its mix of star power, thematic depth, and raw intensity, Is God Is looks poised to make a significant impact.