This year’s Sundance Film Festival, marking its final edition in Park City, has highlighted several noteworthy films, but none have generated as much buzz as Beth de Araújo’s intense thriller, “Josephine.” The film, which is part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition, features Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan as parents grappling with the aftermath of their daughter witnessing a sexual assault in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The festival, running until February 1, 2024, has attracted buyers from major distributors including Neon, Searchlight, and Netflix, all eager to acquire promising titles.
“Josephine” follows the traumatic journey of an eight-year-old girl, portrayed by Mason Reeves, as she navigates the emotional turmoil and behavioral changes after witnessing a horrific event. This marks de Araújo’s second feature film, following her acclaimed debut, “Soft and Quiet,” which premiered at SXSW in 2022. That film gained attention for its unsettling portrayal of suburban extremism, using a first-person perspective to immerse viewers in a disturbing narrative.
The narrative style of “Josephine” also employs a first-person viewpoint, allowing audiences to experience the world through the eyes of the young protagonist. Cinematographer Greta Zozula captures the haunting essence of the story, which delves deep into the psychological effects of trauma. During a post-screening Q&A, de Araújo revealed that she started writing the film in 2014, motivated by personal experiences that shaped her understanding of female fear. She explained, “I decided to take a stab at writing about female fear and how that has shaped who I’ve become.”
The film’s premise is stark and unsettling. During a routine jog in Golden Gate Park, Josephine witnesses a shocking assault, portrayed with harrowing realism. This traumatic event triggers a series of emotional outbursts, leading to significant changes in her behavior both at school and at home. Reeves’ performance has drawn widespread acclaim, with many describing it as one of the most remarkable child performances in recent years.
De Araújo shared insights from the casting process, recalling how she discovered Reeves at a farmer’s market. “I saw Mason running to buy a bunch of dates for her mom. I said, ‘Who’s your parent?’ And she just looked at me like, ‘Why? Are you getting me in trouble?’” Despite the unconventional approach, the director was impressed by Reeves’ auditions, stating, “She just made it very easy for me.”
Tatum reflected on the preparation for his role, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping the character of Damien, Josephine’s father. He noted, “Parenting now is very different. I have a 12-year-old daughter. How I parent is very different from the way my dad and parents’ parents parented.”
Chan added to the discussion about character dynamics, stating, “It’s hard to say whether either [parent] is wrong or right.” The film’s depth is further enhanced by a haunting score composed by Miles Ross, who is also de Araújo’s partner in real life. She expressed gratitude for his dedication, noting that he would often read works by renowned author Roxane Gay before composing music for the film.
As “Josephine” continues to garner attention at Sundance, festival-goers are left deeply affected by its unflinching portrayal of trauma and recovery. Although no buyer has been confirmed yet, the film is expected to attract significant interest, particularly as it prepares for its next competition at the Berlinale. With awards season approaching, “Josephine” is poised to make a substantial impact in both festival circuits and potential accolades.
In a festival known for spotlighting narratives surrounding sexual assault, “Josephine” stands out not only for its storytelling but also for its innovative use of horror tropes to convey the pervasive fear experienced by its young protagonist. As audiences reflect on the film’s powerful messages, it is clear that Beth de Araújo has crafted a work that resonates far beyond the confines of the screen.
