“Yes, God, Yes” is a 2019 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Karen Maine. The movie tells the story of Alice (played by Natalia Dyer), a Catholic high school student who is grappling with her own sexual awakening and the conflicting messages she receives from her strict religious upbringing.

The film is set in the early 2000s, a time before smartphones and social media dominated teenagers’ lives, adding a nostalgic feel to the narrative. As Alice navigates the complexities of adolescence, she finds herself questioning the teachings of her faith and exploring her own sexuality in a repressive environment.

Natalia Dyer delivers a standout performance as Alice, capturing the character’s innocence, confusion, and eventual self-discovery with nuance and authenticity. The supporting cast, including Timothy Simons, Wolfgang Novogratz, and Alisha Boe, complements Dyer’s portrayal, adding depth to the story and highlighting the challenges faced by young adults coming to terms with their desires and beliefs.

The title, “Yes, God, Yes,” serves as a nod to Alice’s internal struggle between her natural impulses and the moral guidelines imposed on her by her religion. The phrase encapsulates the dichotomy between desire and guilt, pleasure and sin, that defines Alice’s journey throughout the film.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to address sensitive topics such as sexuality and faith with honesty and humor. Maine’s direction and screenplay strike a delicate balance between introspection and levity, offering viewers a heartfelt and relatable depiction of the conflicts that arise when personal desires clash with religious doctrine.

Overall, “Yes, God, Yes” is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the complexities of growing up in a conservative environment and the universal search for identity and acceptance. With its charming performances and insightful storytelling, the film resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, inviting reflection on the ways in which we reconcile our beliefs with our humanity.