Is God Is is a 2026 American revenge thriller that blends drama, western, and mythic tragedy elements. The film is directed and written by Aleshea Harris, marking her feature directorial debut. It stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Janelle Monáe, Vivica A. Fox, Sterling K. Brown, Mykelti Williamson, Erika Alexander, and Josiah Cross.
The story follows twin sisters who survive a childhood fire that leaves them badly scarred. As adults, they receive a letter from their dying mother that changes everything.
Her message sends them on a violent road trip across the American South and West. The film is adapted from Harris’s award-winning 2018 Off-Broadway play. Is God Is is scheduled for theatrical release on May 15, 2026, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Is God Is Age Rating
Is God Is is officially Rated R by the MPAA for strong/bloody violence and language. This rating reflects the film’s graphic physical harm, intense revenge-driven killings, and frequent use of strong profanity throughout. The tone is dark and emotionally heavy, with stylized but disturbing imagery that may be overwhelming for younger viewers. Even though some violence is theatrical and symbolic, its impact is severe and sustained.
Violence & Peril
The violence in Is God Is is strong and often graphic. Characters are beaten, stabbed, shot, and killed during the twins’ revenge journey. Burn injuries and scarred bodies are shown in detail, reinforcing the trauma central to the story. The atmosphere is tense and threatening, with prolonged sequences focused on suffering and retaliation rather than quick action.
Language
Strong language is used frequently throughout the film. Viewers can expect repeated uses of the F-word and other harsh profanity. The dialogue is confrontational and emotionally raw, reflecting anger, pain, and resentment. The language alone makes the film unsuitable for children.
Mature Themes
The film explores very heavy themes, including severe child abuse, attempted murder of children, family betrayal, revenge killing, and generational trauma. Parental cruelty and emotional manipulation are central to the plot. Smoking and alcohol use appear in adult settings. There is no focus on sexual content, but the emotional weight and moral darkness are intense.
Is “Is God Is” Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The graphic violence, disturbing themes, and strong language make this film inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 16–17: Not Recommended. Older teens may understand the themes, but the brutality and emotional intensity are extreme and unsettling.
Ages 18+: Yes. This film is best suited for adults who can handle heavy subject matter and stylized but brutal revenge storytelling.
Final recommendation: Is God Is is strictly for adult audiences aged 18 and older.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for the film’s intense violence and themes of parental abuse and revenge.
- Discuss how the film uses symbolism and myth rather than realism to explore trauma.
- Encourage conversation about cycles of violence and how anger is portrayed in the story.
Official Trailer
(Trailer not yet released. This section will be updated when available.)
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Is God Is (2026)?
A: The film is Rated R for strong/bloody violence and language.
Q: Is Is God Is appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No. The film is intended for adults and is not suitable for children or most teens.
Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The movie contains graphic violence, burn imagery, and intense revenge killings.
Q: Does the film include strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Strong profanity is used frequently throughout the film.
Q: Is there sexual content in Is God Is?
A: There is no explicit sexual content, but the themes are very mature and disturbing.
Q: Where can I watch Is God Is?
A: The film will be released theatrically on May 15, 2026, and later through Amazon MGM Studios platforms.