In 2026, when AI and endless online information prompt people to question long-held beliefs daily, the story of Razie Brownstone feels strikingly relevant. This acclaimed 2015 short documentary, Bacon & God’s Wrath (directed by Sol Friedman), follows a 90-year-old Jewish woman as she renounces her faith, embraces atheism, and—symbolically—tries bacon for the first time. It’s a gentle, animated gem about personal transformation, the power of curiosity, and proving it’s never too late to rethink what you’ve been taught.
Razie Brownstone’s Journey
Razie, guided by questions from her psychiatrist, reflects on her strict religious upbringing and the events that planted seeds of doubt. She shares a family story about her great-grandmother’s mischievous twin sister, whose actions enraged the Jewish community. A rabbi imposed a harsh punishment (implied to be violent and unjust through the film’s animation—Razie spares the grim details). Later, the same rabbi was arrested for illegally selling guns, further eroding her trust in religious authority.
These experiences left Razie with deep resentment toward certain traditions. But the real turning point came unexpectedly: one day, searching for a recipe online, she discovered Google. Raised to view media as “wicked,” she was initially reluctant. Yet the autocomplete feature amazed her—her questions were so common that Google anticipated them. For the first time, she felt a sense of “connectedness” with the wider world, something her synagogue had never provided.
From Curiosity to Atheism
This digital awakening led Razie to explore beyond faith. She realized she craved reason over belief without evidence. Quickly shifting from recipes to philosophy, she embraced atheism. The bacon moment became her bold declaration: a public break from kosher laws and divine fear.
In a nearby diner, Razie finally eats bacon—with coffee—and nothing happens. No lightning, no wrath. She enjoys it, calling it a genuinely good breakfast. The film blends her live interviews with vivid animation to bring memories, thoughts, and even a talking pig’s head to life, making her inner world accessible and poignant.
Why This Film Still Resonates in 2026
Premiered at TIFF and Sundance (winning Short Film Jury Award: Non-fiction), praised by The New Yorker, Aeon, Roger Ebert, and Short of the Week, Bacon & God’s Wrath is more than a quirky food story. It’s about independence from fear—religious, cultural, or existential—especially in later life. Razie’s use of the internet as a tool for self-discovery parallels how many today use tech (AI included) to challenge assumptions and find new connections.
Director Sol Friedman seems to invite viewers to examine their own beliefs—whether religion, psychology, sexuality, gender, or anything ingrained. It’s never too late to update, reaffirm, or completely change course.
Final Thoughts on Bacon & God’s Wrath
Razie’s story reminds us that true growth often comes from questioning, not blind adherence. Hurt by aspects of her religion, she found freedom in evidence and openness. In an era of rapid change, her quiet rebellion inspires: listen to your own reason, try the “forbidden,” and see what happens.
Watch the trailer or full short here: YouTube – Bacon & God’s Wrath (official clip, ~8 minutes).
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