Greek Tragedy Meets Spaghetti Western In Prime's New 97% RT Thriller
Prime Video just added a new Amazon original movie that earned a near-perfect 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and offers a unique mashup of Greek tragedy and spaghetti Western. The near-perfectly rated feature film debut of writer/director Aleshea Harris, based on her original play of the same name, just dropped on Prime Video today, August 19, 2026. With its innovative blend of Greek tragedy themes and classic spaghetti Western tropes, it's already one of the most exciting new movie releases on Prime Video this week.
Is God Is tells a timeless story of vengeance with a highly stylized modern appeal. It's one of 2026's most critically acclaimed movies so far, earning a Certified Fresh 97% RT score based on 120 reviews, paired with a similarly strong audience score of 89%. It joins only a handful of near-perfectly rated 2026 films on Rotten Tomatoes, joining the likes of Pillion, Blue Heron, and The Invite. After its initial theatrical release on May 15, 2026, it is now officially available to stream exclusively on Prime Video for the very first time.
How Greek Tragedy Meets The Western In Is God Is
Is God Is is unlike any other movie you will see in 2026, possessing a distinct and daring creative approach that can only be achieved by a natural storyteller in their element. The 1-hour, 40-minute movie begins by introducing two twin sisters, Racine (Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson), who are so intertwined and connected that they not only finish each other's sentences, but virtually communicate with each other telepathically through looks and non-verbal cues. Racine has long been the more emotional of the two, while Anaia is much more direct and fearless.
Together, Racine and Anaia go through life side-by-side with absolute devotion and support for one another until a letter from their long-lost mother throws a ripple in their seemingly unbreakable bond. The twins embark on a journey to find their mother, who reveals a disturbing part of their shared family history that has everything to do with the scars on both of their faces. Their mother, Ruby, played by Vivica A. Fox, received the most damage between the three of them as a victim and survivor of severe domestic violence. Ruby, who the twins refer to as their creator or God, commands Racine and Anaia to find the man who scarred them and strike him dead.
The universal Greek tragic theme of being called to action by an apparent deity exists at the forefront of Is God Is as Racine and Anaia obey their dying mother's wishes and seek out their abuser, known simply as Man (played by Sterling K. Brown). What's more, the Man is portrayed and even filmed much like a classic Western villain, leading up to an inevitable showdown between him and the twin sisters. There are also several notes of Western sounds and music heard throughout Is God Is as Racine and Anaia travel the country searching for revenge, contributing to its use of the spaghetti Western subgenre.
How Is God Is' Cast Elevates It To Near-Perfect Status
While Young and Johnson are the breakout stars of Is God Is, the film greatly benefits from a stellar ensemble cast that also includes Fox, Brown, Janelle Monáe, Josiah Cross, Erika Alexander, and Mykelti Williamson. The nearly supernatural synchronicity between Young and Johnson makes them magnetic to viewers, essentially sharing one collective soul while also maintaining distinct personalities, tendencies, and emotions. Ultimately, both agree that avenging the wrong done to Ruby is the best and only thing they can do, and the characters they meet along the way help establish their master plan while also revealing aspects of their individuality.
Critics applaud not only the boldness of Harris' vision but the execution of Is God Is as a motion picture, adapted from her stage play, brought to life by a remarkable cast. NPR writes, "Harris' vision as a first-time filmmaker is crystal clear, and Is God Is already feels timeless, like a parable that could have been written decades ago, and will be handily passed down as pointed social critique for decades to come." Additionally, The Boston Globe writes, "[Is God Is] has the aura of Greek tragedy and the darkest heart of neo-noir. Its soul is an unapologetic howl of Black female rage represented by the superb lead performances of Kara Young and Mallori Johnson."
If you always make a point to watch the year's best movies, or are simply a fan of Greek tragedies, spaghetti Westerns, or timeless rage-fueled revenge stories like Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, then add Is God Is to the top of your Prime Video watchlist today.