Shadows on the Wall

Josephine

dir-scr Beth de Araujo
prd David Kaplan, Josh Peters, Beth de Araujo, Marina Stabile, Gemma Chan, Channing Tatum
with Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, Eleanore Pienta, Michael Angelo Covino, Dana Millican, Stefanie Estes, Michael X Sommers, Eros Bleu-Laine, Hunter Bold
release US/UK 20.Nov.26
26/US 2h01

SUNDANCE FILM FEST
BERLIN FILM FEST
TORONTO FILM FEST

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Inventively taking on a seriously unsettling topic, writer-director Beth de Araujo draws on events from her own life to skilfully craft a dark story that is seen through the eyes of an observant 8-year-old girl. This perspective adds unexpected angles to the film, creating complex characters who are struggling to react to a situation they can't fully understand. So the film becomes a powerful look at human resilience.

In San Francisco, sports-minded Damien (Tatum) has a close bond with his daughter Josephine (Reeves), taking her out for early-morning runs in Golden Gate Park. When they get separated, Josephine witnesses a horrific assault, but is unable to comprehend it. Damien kicks into action mode, returning to their workout, but Josephine is haunted by the man (Ettinger) who attacked a woman (McCarthy) in front of her. Since neither Damien nor dancer mother Claire (Chan) will talk about it, Josephine begins acting out in school. And now prosecutor Francisco (Covino) needs her to testify in court.

Eye-catching, sometimes overly swirly cinematography by Greta Zozula puts us into Josephine's point of view, so things adults do rarely make sense, and this strange man seems to be lurking everywhere. Damien's charge-through-it machismo clashes with Claire's more touchy-feely approach, but neither of them sees what's going on with Josephine, so they send her for self-defence lessons rather than the psychological help she needs. Watching this is difficult, as it's clear that their parenting is causing problems even though they care deeply for their daughter.

Maintaining such a specific perspective creates characters who are unusually textured, so Tatum and Chan are able to give performances that never attempt to explain their reactions and behaviour. It's an unusual approach that lets the actors bring out underlying emotions in surprising places. And supporting roles are also powerful. Ettinger has a superbly casual haunting presence, while McCarthy is quietly devastated. And Pienta shines as the court's child specialist, putting a spotlight on a vital job.

But it's the gifted young Reeves who holds the attention. A real find, she's able to convey underlying emotions with minimal expressions, which reveals her confusion about the assault she witnessed and also about her parents' inability to help her. So we understand her reactions, even as the adults around her remain perplexed. This is a remarkably honest, unnerving drama that stresses how important it is to speak to each other about the most challenging subjects. Simplistically remaining stoic and strong isn't enough.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 3.Nov.26

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