It's Coming (film)

Lore & Background

The documentary chronicles Ashley Roland-White and her family's reported experiences with unexplained occurrences in their Brooklyn home. Through interviews and observational footage, the film explores how the family copes with and seeks to understand these phenomena, while addressing cultural barriers they face in seeking help. The film had its world premiere at Hot Docs International Documentary Festival on April 29, 2023, and was released digitally in the United States on November 12, 2024, by Freestyle Digital Media.

Reader's Guide

It's Coming holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10. Critics noted the film's matter-of-fact presentation and lack of visual 'ghost action,' which added realism and credibility. The documentary was praised for its balanced approach, emotional weight, and exploration of stigmas related to seeking spiritual help, particularly for Black families. Reviewers highlighted how the director avoids claiming evidence of the supernatural, instead presenting footage for viewers to judge. The film was described as 'mesmerizing' and 'genuinely creepy,' framing the domestic sphere as a battlefield between maternal instinct and malevolent forces. It also broaches topics of intersectionality, generational trauma, and spirituality.

Did You Know?

• The film had its world premiere at Hot Docs International Documentary Festival on April 29, 2023.
• Freestyle Digital Media acquired distribution rights and released the film digitally in the United States on November 12, 2024.
• On Rotten Tomatoes, It's Coming holds a 100% approval rating based on 11 reviews.
• Critic Bobby LePire gave the film a score of 7.5/10, noting its emotional weight despite its quiet, subdued style.