By: Tunisha Brown | Photo Credit: @jenjphoto / Jennifer Johnson
Moses the Black is not just another crime drama; it’s a deeply reflective story about reckoning, transformation, and the long road toward redemption. Inspired by the true story of the fourth century saint St. Moses the Black, the film reimagines that spiritual journey through a modern day lens, following a Chicago gang leader forced to confront his past, his choices, and his future.
Omar Epps stars as Malik, a powerful yet conflicted gang leader whose life begins to unravel as he faces internal and external battles for control. Wiz Khalifa plays 2wo-3ree, the confident and volatile head of Malik’s younger crew, while Quavo portrays Straw, a rival gang leader locked in a dangerous power struggle. Chukwudi Iwuji takes on the role of St. Moses the Black, grounding the film’s spiritual backbone. The project is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Wiz Khalifa, Omar Epps, and others, with original music and a hypnotic soundtrack by Wiz Khalifa featuring Quavo.
When I spoke with Omar Epps, it was clear that Malik’s journey wasn’t something he approached lightly. For Epps, the theme of redemption isn’t a single moment, it’s a lifelong process.
“Redemption is unique to each individual,” he explained. “It’s an ebb and flow. You go through phases, and you find redemption for that phase, then you move into another one. Life is like climbing a mountain, you reach one peak only to realize it’s the valley of another. It’s a never-ending journey.”
That perspective deeply informed his portrayal of Malik. Epps shared that at this particular stage of his life, the story resonated with him on a personal level, in ways that can’t always be articulated outside of art itself. “I understood the assignment,” he said simply, a statement that feels both confident and earned.
A major draw for Epps was the spiritual foundation of the film. Like many, he was initially unfamiliar with the true story of St. Moses the Black. Discovering that history became a crucial part of his preparation.
“The spiritual influence was incredible,” Epps said. “That was a big part of what drew me to the project. Yelena Popovic, who wrote and directed the film, did such a beautiful job. She wasn’t telling the same story twice, they’re parallel stories. Setting it in modern day Chicago allows the ancient story to resonate in a new way.”
What makes the film especially compelling is how Malik learns about St. Moses the Black alongside the audience. Through visions and moments of reckoning, Malik is forced to ask the same questions viewers are asking: Who is Moses the Black? Why is he appearing to me? What does this mean for my life? That shared discovery creates an emotional and spiritual connection that deepens the film’s impact.
Epps also spoke highly of the collaborative energy on set, particularly working alongside artists like Wiz Khalifa and Quavo, who are stepping into dramatic roles.
“At the end of the day, we’re all artists,” he said. “Yelena created a very warm environment, and there was a real respect and encouragement on set. They understood the mission. That allowed everyone to find the moments and emotions the story needed to truly connect with the audience.”
That sense of shared purpose is felt throughout Moses the Black. It’s raw, emotional, and layered with meaning; an action packed drama that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about faith, power, and personal transformation.
After seeing the screening, one thing is clear: Moses the Black isn’t just a film to watch, it’s a story meant to be felt. And with Omar Epps at the center, leading a cast that blends music, film, and spiritual storytelling, it’s a journey worth taking.
Blending raw emotion, spiritual reflection, and gripping performances, Moses the Black opens in theaters nationwide on January 30.
