Josephine review
Sundance film festival: taut and emotionally intelligent drama follows the aftermath of an eight-year-old witnessing a horrifying sexual assault
TL;DR
- The film depicts an eight-year-old girl, Josephine, witnessing a rape in Golden Gate Park.
- Unlike many films, it graphically shows the assault from Josephine's viewpoint.
- The story explores the aftermath of the trauma and the family's difficulty in coping.
- Adults, including police and parents, struggle to adequately respond to Josephine's experience.
- Channing Tatum delivers a career-best performance as Josephine's well-meaning but overwhelmed father.
- The film culminates in a courtroom scene, showcasing Josephine's inward retreat and escalating erratic behavior.
- The performance of newcomer Mason Reeves as Josephine is highlighted as remarkable.