Yes, God, Yes

Setting my personal experiences aside, Yes, God, Yes is a good movie overall. The narrative is strong and takes a more serious tone than Saved!. But it’s also a hard sell as the religious subject matter might turn off audiences in general. Writer/director Maine’s previous film, Obvious Child, had a similar issue when it took on abortion. Here Maine’s hits on the dark side of religion. For devout audiences, the story will be an immediate turnoff, unless one has an open mind and wants to understand their friends who are no longer practicing. For the non-believer, stories of religious fundamentalism (even if it is critical) may not be compelling enough for someone to purchase a ticket.

Obvious Child, I believe, found success because of Jenny Slate in the lead role. She was the draw for the movie as well as the story. I’m not convinced Natalia Dyer (as good as she is) will have the same drawing power.

“…a light story about a serious subject. It has depth to it about the subject matter, but its depth is subversive.”

Yes, God, Yes is presented in the same vein as Obvious Child, a light story about a serious subject. It has depth to it about the subject matter, but its depth is subversive. The performances help make the film work as its characters are real people with real beliefs, and no one ever turns into a caricature for cheap laughs and ridicule. Natalia Dyer gives an earnest portrayal of Alice. She wants to do what’s right ultimately, but any positive belief she’s had about God and the church is torn down over the course of the film. Her arc is big but subtle and subversive.

The most heartbreaking moment is when Alice is in confessional with Father Murphy, and the very person who represents God in this setting, he doesn’t believe her…like the omniscient God would. The moment is telling as to why adolescence is often the crossroads in life toward a lifelong belief in God or total rejection. My personal take is that when religion replaces God with rules, laws, and edicts, then its over.

Watch Yes, God, Yes as it will challenge your youth. You may not agree or like what it has to say, but for many, the experience is real.