“Special” thriller that will ‘keep you gripped’ debuts with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating

The Sundance Film Festival is wrapping up its run in Park City, and the first critically acclaimed film has emerged: Josephine, starring Gemma Chan and Channing Tatum. Early reviews call it a unique thriller, and it currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Beth de Araújo, the director and producer of the acclaimed film Soft & Quiet, brings us Josephine. The movie centers on eight-year-old Josephine (Mason Reeves) who sees something dangerous happen in Golden Gate Park. Feeling unsafe and unsupported by her parents (Chan and Tatum), she takes matters into her own hands to feel secure again.

I’ve been hearing amazing things about this thriller, Josephine, ever since it premiered at Sundance! Apparently, everyone who’s seen it has been totally blown away – disturbed, haunted, and completely gripped by the story. I’m so eager to find out when it’s coming out so I can finally see it for myself! In the meantime, I’ve collected some of the first reviews if you want to check them out.

What to Read Next

TheWrap

Josephine is a unique and challenging film, but beautifully made and already a strong contender for the best movie of the year.

Screen International

Josephine touches on classic horror themes like demonic possession or sinister children, but it’s ultimately a very empathetic and understanding story, grounding the fear in relatable, real-life issues.

IndieWire

Beth de Araújo skillfully builds suspense throughout the film, keeping the story moving at a brisk pace. Each plot twist feels both unexpected and perfectly logical.

The Daily Beast

While this deeply emotional film, featuring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, occasionally feels overly dramatic, the strong performance by newcomer Reeves keeps it impactful and moving.

The Playlist

“An audacious, potently unflinching, and profoundly humanistic gut-punch of a film.”

Collider

Josephine is a coming-of-age film, but it explores a difficult and often overlooked side of growing up as a girl. Unlike stories that focus on typical first experiences, this movie delves into the darker and more challenging realities of girlhood.

Josephine does not yet have a release date.

I’m so excited! The latest issue of Living Legends is out, and it’s all about Dolly Parton! You can grab a copy of ‘Dolly at 80’ at all good newsagents or order it online for only £8.99. Definitely adding this to my collection!

Read More

2026-01-27 13:49