IT’S COMING Review — A Paranormal Doc That Hits Close to Home
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s It’s Coming review says this is an intriguing paranormal documentary with a twist.
Director Shannon Alexander’s compelling new documentary It’s Coming brings a refreshingly authentic voice to the often-sensationalized genre of paranormal investigation.
At its heart is Ashley Roland-White, a successful day trader and mother of five, whose matter-of-fact approach to her family’s supernatural experiences makes this film stand out from typical ghost-hunting fare.
What sets It’s Coming apart is its respectful treatment of its subjects. Rather than seeking cheap thrills or attempting to debunk the family’s claims, Alexander creates an intimate portrait of a household grappling with experiences they can’t explain.
The documentary’s strength lies in its focus on the human element – particularly through the disarming honesty of the Roland-White children, especially seven-year-old Javier, whose casual descriptions of his supernatural friend “Mister Kitty” are both charming and unsettling.
The film captures several unexplained phenomena during production, including equipment malfunctions and a particularly startling incident with a boom microphone, lending credence to the family’s claims. Yet these moments never feel staged or sensationalized – they’re presented as matter-of-fact occurrences in the family’s daily life.
It’s Coming review – Refreshingly Balanced
Alexander takes a refreshingly balanced approach to the various experts brought in to help the family. From traditional mediums to equipment-wielding paranormal investigators and faith-based cleansing attempts, each intervention is presented without judgment, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
The documentary’s real power comes from Ashley’s personal journey. Her decision to break years of silence about her supernatural experiences, motivated by concern for her children, adds a compelling layer of maternal courage to the narrative. The revelation that she’s experiencing these phenomena in the same apartment where she first encountered spirits as a child adds an intriguing cyclical element to the story.
While some skeptics might wish for more detailed background information about the family, the film’s focus on present-day experiences creates an immediacy that serves the story well. The sharp editing maintains a creepy atmosphere throughout, but never at the expense of the documentary’s thoughtful approach to its subject matter.
It’s Coming succeeds not by trying to convince viewers of the existence of the paranormal, but by presenting an honest portrait of a family living with what they believe to be supernatural phenomena. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or a skeptic, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into how one family copes with experiences beyond the ordinary. For anyone interested in thoughtful paranormal documentaries that prioritize human experience over cheap scares, It’s Coming is absolutely worth your time.
1 Hour 33 Minutes
Not Rated
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Lisa Johnson Mandell’s It’s Coming review says this is an intriguing paranormal documentary with a twist.