The need for Tatum to be right all the time is the catalyst for his daughter’s anxiety, which has resulted in her bizarre behavior. There is one scene in particular where Josephine does something truly despicable, and the way that he reacts to it is unnervingly horrifying. With Tatum‘s staggering performance in this film, it is sure to be a performance that he will be remembered for.

Mason Reeves’ debut as Josephine is the film’s beating heart and most prized possession. From the moment the film begins, Reeves’s presence takes center stage, and everything she sees and experiences, the audience does as well. It is easy to connect with Reeves, and it’s even easier to see that she has a whole life ahead of her where she deserves to grow and be what she wants without fear or worry. Reeves’s decisions in this film are excruciatingly grotesque to witness, but it’s needed as the journey the audience goes through alongside her is about conquering fear and abuse. Reeves shows immense promise as a newcomer and has much to look forward to, as this is a debut that will be discussed over time.

Shadows of Fear 

Beth de Araujo’s direction paints a picture describing how many can be numb to one’s horrifying experience, thinking they are doing what’s best for them by being aggressive about how one should turn their pain into purpose. This is heavily recognized in Josephine, and it is beautifully depicted, especially with Tatum’s role. The journey of exploration that Araujo takes Josephine on is shocking due to the nature of her repeating and emulating certain practices based on what she has learned and will learn about her tumultuous experience. Araujo’s storytelling is dynamic, and the resolution that ensues from her intuition is an even greater payoff to a scarring plot.

Beth de Araujo’s cinematic eye contributes heavily to the success of the film’s technical aspects. The film is told through Josephine’s eyes, and everything shown is from a humanist view, vivid and vast. The cinematography resembles the point of view from human experience, which adds another level of personal struggle to the film that must be confronted. There are many scenes of the abuser that Jospehine witnessed as a ghost-like presence in the film throughout. His shadow (especially in the way in which the lighting is used) resembles her fear of what she experienced and how, over time, it has worsened as she questions and tries to process what she has witnessed. It all comes to a head when she is faced with having to speak up about what she saw, which was taxing for her until she came to her own conclusion. 

Award-winning Drama is the Key

Josephine is a triumphant yet grotesque take on the loss of innocence whilst navigating trauma. Beth de Araujo’s direction is immaculate as she carves a story of an 8-year-old overcoming her fears from a life-altering event. The perspective-heavy elements are what make this film a Sundance standout, along with the intense dialogue. The performances from Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan are great beyond belief, but it’s newcomer Mason Reeves who is the film’s force multiplier. Josephine took home the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Josephine is not yet available to stream or to enjoy in theaters, but watch out for the widespread release soon!