You are here:

As It Is in Heaven

Name: As It Is in Heaven
Director: Joshua Overbay
Released: 2014
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

2014

Director

Joshua Overbay

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

As It Is in Heaven is a profound ethnographic study of a religious sect in North Macedonia. It prioritizes cultural authenticity and the preservation of a specific way of life over challenging social norms. The film excels in representing a non-Western ethnic group authentically, avoiding whitewashing. However, it does not actively challenge traditional hierarchies related to gender, sexuality, or religious authority. Ultimately, the work presents a community defined by spiritual continuity and tradition, rather than critiquing the broader systems that govern it.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does As It Is in Heaven have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses solely on traditional communal and familial structures without addressing non-straight relationships.

How does As It Is in Heaven portray gender?

Limited

The film reflects traditional rural gender roles. While it offers a detailed look at domestic roles, it does not challenge these roles or explore masculinity in a deeper way.

How racially and ethnically diverse is As It Is in Heaven?

Fair

The film centers on a non-Anglo-Saxon Macedonian community, providing authentic ethnic representation. However, it does not blend different backgrounds within this group.

How does As It Is in Heaven represent religion and culture?

Minimal

Orthodox Christianity is central to the community in the film. The narrative explores the tension between faith and failed prophecies without focusing on secular themes.

Does As It Is in Heaven include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with disabilities or address their experiences as central plot devices.

Present on Screen

Authentic ethnic representation centered around a non-Anglo-Saxon community.
Nuanced look at domestic roles within a specific cultural context.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentionality in challenging traditional gender roles.
Does not engage with LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Does not provide representation for individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After the death of their Prophet, a small religious sect turn to one of their members, Daniel, who's been asked to lead them, as they anxiously await the end of the world they were promised. But, when the prophecy does not come to pass, Daniel struggles to cling to his faith while keeping his community together.

How are these scores produced? →