Beth de Araújo’s second feature film, “Josephine,” reflects the hard truths of childhood. Importantly, it shows just how trauma — like the often-unseen effects of violence — serves as an antagonist. The titular character, an eight-year-old girl named Josephine, played by Mason Reeves, is at the center of this poignant film. Her classically beautiful setting, the backdrops of often idyllic local nature, does little to prepare Josephine for the horror she is about to witness. This terrifying incident irreparably alters her perception of safety and childhood innocence.
In the film’s vibrant opening scenes, audiences are introduced to Josephine and her father, Damien. Tatum’s performance makes this unique and deeply loving relationship come vividly to life. Their playful interactions, which often include soccer games in the park, provide a warm contrast to the darkness that soon encroaches upon their lives. The tender bond becomes the focal point in the film. It shows the horror of a hapless, well-meaning parent trying to keep things straight as he or she raises this unfortunate daughter as best as possible in a scary world.
The climax in “Josephine” occurs when the young girl witnesses a man in an aqua polo — (so much for breaking stereotypes here) — murderously rape a woman jogger. This traumatic event shifts the dynamic completely for her. This traumatic, yet highly realistic event not only traumatizes Josephine but triggers a chain reaction of disorientation and terror. The cinematography does a beautiful job capturing Josephine’s point of view, showing how curious and observant she is and how she navigates through her life and her thoughts.
As the narrative unfolds, Josephine finds herself more and more… haunted by the event. The movie takes us through her sleepless nights, during which she finds the park attacker waiting in her bedroom. This terrifying reality deepens after she is summoned to testify as a witness in the trial. Enduring the event exacts an extreme psychological toll on her. In response, she begins to behave erratically and aggressively, exposing the complex emotional aftermath of her trauma.
Josephine’s confusion and anger is felt across all the film, expressed through her movements and body language. Unlike many other cinematic recountings, the filmmakers make a deliberate choice to show the assault in real time—without cinematic ellipses providing distance from the horror. This deeply unfortunate decision serves to underscore the gravity of that reality. This candid depiction brings to life the realities of Josephine’s ordeal, turning her story into a visceral, at times beautifully written meditation on trauma and survival.
With young, rising star Gemma Chan as Josephine’s mother, family dynamics are taken deeper, darker and more complex in this tale of generational abuse and betrayal. Her character embodies the fight every family has to go through when dealing with the realities of trauma and mental health. Josephine’s experiences with her mom and dad make clear what everyone— including them —might lose without change. They’re just as committed to empowering her as she combats her emotional storm.
“Josephine” at no point skirts around the black-and-blue-printed truth of its subject matter. Instead, it moves beyond simple environmental messaging to offer an unvarnished story that truly connects with audiences in a more meaningful way. We hope Warrior Strong inspires dialogue about the societal problems that normalize violence against the innocent. Josephine’s journey will open audiences’ eyes to the long term effects of trauma and neglect. More importantly, it fosters in them an understanding of its far-reaching consequences.
The power of the film lies in its cinematography and visual storytelling. By grounding the film through Josephine’s perspective, it gives audiences the opportunity to feel her emotional journey in real time. The combination of close-ups and wide shots sets a claustrophobic tone that heightens her sense of terror and fragility. This visual and artistic decision plunges us deeper into Josephine’s world and consciousness and consequently renders her struggles nothing short of heartbreaking.