If anything, Moses the Black can be celebrated for its ambition, while we can pick apart its issues with execution. Featuring a deep bench of artists like Omar Epps, rapper Wiz Khalifa, Chukwudi Iwuji (Peacemaker), and Quavo, the film attempts to evoke the internal struggle as much as the external, something that is frequently a cliché in crime dramas.
However, Moses the Black struggles mightily with so many filmmaking principles that I cannot fathom, pun intended, why Fathom Events would put their stamp of approval on the movie, other than to offer a very niche and poorly produced product for a very specific audience.
A test of faith for cinephiles, if there ever was one.
What is Moses the Black about?
Omar Epps stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
Omar Epps stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
Omar Epps stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
Omar Epps stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
The story follows Malik (Omar Epps of House, Love & Basketball, and Higher Learning fame), who is in pursuit of some righteous justice. Why? Malik has just been released from prison. What has kept him going is his desire to seek revenge on the man who murdered his best friend.
However, after his grandmother passes away, she gives him a prayer card of St. Moses the Black (“Ethiopian hieromonk”), attempting to convince him to live a life ruled by discipline and choice that involves altruism and generosity. The result is Malik working out his anger by having dreams of the legendary monk.
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Malik begins to rely on his friends and family as a support network to cope with his vengeful feelings, despite his history as a notorious criminal on the streets of the 312. Still, thanks to Epps’ performance, you can feel his internal struggle as he comes to terms with the decision to kill Straw (rapper Quavo), resulting in a character study of divine justice, faith, and healing.
Moses the Black Review
Chukwudi Iwuji stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
Moses the Black is directed by Yelena Popovic (Man of God), who also wrote the script. This is her third feature, a point in a filmmaker’s filmography, usually when someone reaches their critical peak. (Think of Affleck’s Argo or Coppola’s The Godfather; I could go on.) Yet Popovic’s latest tends to slog on, especially when channeling biblical messaging.
Like her previous creations, this film has major issues with pacing and tone. The transitions are uneven. There are several unnatural scenes, possibly because of the film’s budget, that come off as awkward. (The “action” shootout sequences are particularly amateurish.) Then there is the stilted, awkward dialogue that consistently slows down the experience.
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Speaking of the experience, the film aims to be uplifting, even inspirational, by combining elements of crime drama and spiritual cinema, though the latter leans more toward secular themes. However, this circles back to the film’s unevenness.
Is Moses the Black worth watching?
Omar Epps stars in Moses the Black (2026) | Image via Simeon Entertainment
It is as if the characters are merely shallow pawns used to convey the teachings of a saint. Surely, the inspiration for the movie, Moses the Black, would care about who these characters are beyond a surface level. Why don’t the filmmakers behind the picture do the same?
Moses the Black is worth watching if you are a fan of Epps, who is quite good here, a fan of the cast, or interested in the biblical storytelling element. However, the film is filled with heavy-handed messaging, too earnest for its own good, and tonally incorrect to justify spending money in a theater or even your precious time.
You can watch Moses the Black only in theaters starting January 30th!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
