Josephine Review: Critics Stunned! Is This The Best Restaurant Ever?

Sundance 2026 has delivered its share of gems, but Beth de Araújo’s "Josephine" is the one everyone’s still talking about. Having snagged both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award, this isn’t just a critical darling; it’s a film that’s clearly resonating with audiences on a deeply emotional level. After seeing it myself, I can understand why.

Josephine Review: Critics Stunned! Is This The Bes...

"Josephine" tackles the incredibly difficult subject of childhood trauma with a rawness and sensitivity that’s rare to see. It’s about an eight-year-old girl named Josephine, played with astonishing depth by Mason Reeves, who witnesses a violent crime in Golden Gate Park. The film bravely explores not only Josephine's experience but also the fallout on her parents as they desperately try to navigate uncharted territory.

The scene itself is gut-wrenching. Josephine is separated from her father, Damien (Channing Tatum), during a morning jog and witnesses a brutal attack on another jogger (Syra McCarthy) by a menacing figure (Philip Ettinger). The film doesn't shy away from the horror, but it's the lingering exchange of glances between victim, assailant, and the young girl that truly chills you to the bone. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

What follows is a heartrending depiction of parental helplessness. Damien and his wife, Claire (Gemma Chan), are understandably lost. How *do* you explain something like that to a child? Josephine, left to process the trauma on her own, begins to unravel, experiencing hallucinations and exhibiting increasingly erratic behavior. Her sense of safety is completely shattered, and the film makes you feel every ounce of her fear and confusion.

De Araújo clearly poured a lot of herself into this film, drawing from her own childhood experience of witnessing a similar attack. That personal connection translates into a palpable authenticity. Tatum and Chan also deliver powerful performances, revealing unexpected layers of vulnerability within their characters. It's a welcome departure from Tatum's usual comedic roles; he portrays Damien as a man struggling with his own limitations, realizing that stoic silence and self-defense classes aren’t enough to heal his daughter’s wounds.

The film’s visual style is just as impactful as its narrative. De Araújo masterfully uses San Francisco’s imposing architecture and intricate network of power lines to create an oppressive atmosphere. The camera frequently shifts perspectives, immersing the audience in Josephine’s fractured reality. I was reminded of Gregg Araki’s "Mysterious Skin" in its unflinching exploration of childhood trauma, though "Josephine" feels uniquely personal and urgent. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting important conversations about trauma, resilience, and the challenges of parenting in a world that often feels unsafe.