As It Is in Heaven

As It Is in Heaven: A Profound Meditation on Faith and Destiny

In the quiet hills where time seems to stand still, a small religious sect grapples with the void left by their departed Prophet. “As It Is in Heaven” (2014), directed by Joshua Overbay, is a stirring exploration of faith, leadership, and the intricate dance between hope and disillusionment.

After the Prophet’s death, the weight of guiding the faithful falls unexpectedly upon a humble man portrayed by Todd Bagley. Thrust into a role he’s unprepared for, he must navigate the treacherous waters of expectation and doubt as the community anxiously awaits the promised end of the world. His journey is not just one of spiritual leadership but also an intimate self-examination of belief and purpose.

Shannon Kathleen Baker and Luke Beavers deliver compelling performances as devoted followers whose unwavering faith begins to waver under the strain of uncertainty. Their characters embody the collective anxiety and desperation of a group clinging to prophetic promises in the face of an unchanging world. The interactions between the characters are raw and authentic, revealing the vulnerabilities that come with unfulfilled expectations.

The screenplay, penned by Ginny Lee Overbay, weaves a narrative that’s both intimate and expansive. Overbay delves deep into the psyche of her characters, exploring how the loss of a spiritual leader impacts each individual differently. The story raises poignant questions: What becomes of faith when its foundation is shaken? How does one lead others when one’s own convictions are in turmoil?

Joshua Overbay’s direction brings a contemplative atmosphere to the film. With a deliberate pace, he allows scenes to breathe, giving audiences space to engage with the characters’ internal struggles. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the sect’s secluded environment, juxtaposing serene landscapes with the tumultuous emotions of its inhabitants.

One of the film’s most striking aspects is its exploration of the concept of the apocalypse—not as a catastrophic event but as a personal reckoning. The anticipated end of the world serves as a metaphor for the end of certainty and the beginning of existential questioning. It’s a theme that’s both timeless and profoundly relevant in an age where many grapple with rapid changes and uncertain futures.

“As It Is in Heaven” doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it invites viewers to sit with discomfort and to consider the complexities of faith unfulfilled. It’s a cinematic meditation on how communities and individuals cope with the collapse of long-held beliefs. The characters are forced to confront not only the possibility that the promised day may never come but also what that means for their identities and futures.

For those seeking a film that challenges and engages on a deeply emotional level, “As It Is in Heaven” is a journey worth taking. It’s a reminder of the power of independent cinema to tackle profound themes with nuance and sensitivity.

As the credits roll, one can’t help but reflect on the nature of leadership without direction, faith without guarantees, and hope in the face of disillusionment. The film leaves us pondering our own beliefs and the extent to which we rely on external promises to find meaning in our lives.

If you’re intrigued by stories that delve into the human condition and the complexities of spiritual existence, this film offers a rich tapestry of thought and emotion. It’s not just about the end of the world—it’s about the ends of worlds within us, and how we rebuild when they crumble.