“JOSEPHINE” WAS THE WINNER OF THE GRAND JURY PRIZE & AUDIENCE AWARD AT SUNDANCE 2026

Many years ago, when she was just a child, writer/director Beth de Araujo saw a woman being sexually assaulted in Golden Gate Park. In a feat of bravery and an act of healing, she has put together a semi-autobiographical film chronicling this trauma.

Josephine follows the titular girl as she struggles to cope with the horrors that she witnessed and acts out. Her parents, played by Gemma Chan and Channing Tatum, don’t know how to deal with their daughter after this traumatic event. And when the victim declines to testify against the perpetrator, Josephine is left as the only witness to the crime.

BETH DE ARAUJO WILL DEFINITELY BE IN THE CONVERSATION FOR NEXT YEAR’S OSCARS…

One thing is for damn certain, remember the name Beth de Aruajo. Because she is going to be huge. This is one of the most assured pieces of filmmaking from a young director that I think I have ever seen. And although I know it is painfully early to start doing this, I have a feeling Araujo will 100% be in the conversation for next year’s Oscars for her courageous, devastating work here.

The film pretty much starts out with the crime in question, and it is depicted in sickening detail. It’s so shockingly explicit that this movie will assuredly make headlines for all of the walkouts once this hits mainstream cinemas. But, if Araujo’s camera had looked away, the rest of the film wouldn’t have worked. We wouldn’t have understood Josephine’s pain and confusion as much as we do. After the sexual assault, the film becomes an examination of female fear and male aggression.

CHANNING TATUM, GEMMA CHAN & MASON REEVES ARE EXCELLENT…

This movie simply would not have worked without the astonishing performance from newcomer Mason Reeves, though I truly hope the crew was able to shroud most of the film’s material from the young actress. Reeves has so much that is asked of her, having to deal with all of these complex emotions. And she conquers this role with a sort of curiosity and intensity. Gemma Chan also gives her finest performance to date as Josephine’s mother, she has a few scenes that are so quietly powerful. And Channing Tatum is equally as impressive. I absolutely love that he is broadening his filmography and his agent is doing a freaking fantastic job picking projects.

The cinematography from Ava Berkofsky is absolutely breathtaking, capturing the San Francisco cityscapes in all of its glory. But, more importantly, the way that the camera lets us in on Josephine’s perspective, allowing the audience to see the world through her eyes, is one of the keys to what makes this film so special. And the score from composer Miles Ross is so haunting, conjuring fear and anxiety in the viewer. If he does not get nominated for his work at the Oscars, I will revolt. It’s one of the most distinctive scores I’ve heard in quite some time.

THIS MOVIE IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL OF THE YEAR…

Josephine is a movie that is wholly evocative. It will stir up so many emotions inside you that you just might want to scream at the screen. You’re heartbroken by this tragedy. Appalled by the violence. Confused by Josephine’s actions. Unsettled by her visions of the assailant. Angry at the justice system for being so broken. Worried that this all will destroy Josephine’s parents. And Hopeful that she will find the strength to move forward.

Beth de Araujo’s Josephine is like if Requiem for a Dream was seen through the eyes of an eight year-old girl. It is controversial, provocative, bold and utterly transfixing. It is such a challenging and triggering film, I feel as if there should be a warning placed before the opening credits. So, if I’ve said anything in this review that makes you uncomfortable, I would say that you should stay far away from Josephine. But, if you can handle it, this is an absolute masterpiece of the highest order. A film that will no doubt be talked about and studied for years to come.

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