Josephine review: One of the most important films of the year is a hard, vital watch

Josephine review: One of the most important films of the year is a hard, vital watch. This film, based on writer and director Beth de Araújo's own life experiences, explores the question of how a child would process witnessing sexual violence they did not understand. The movie, which features magnificent performances from Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, as well as breakout roles from newcomer Mason Reeves, forces viewers to comprehend the perspective of a young witness to sexual assault.

The film presents a harrowing depiction of a child's view of sexual violence, emphasizing the impact on both survivors and those connected to such crimes. Josephine, played by Mason Reeves, is an eight-year-old girl who runs through San Francisco's Golden Gate Park with her father Damien, played by Channing Tatum. One day, Josephine witnesses a brutal rape of her friend Sandra, played by Syra McCarthy.

The film focuses on the emotional aftermath of this traumatic event and the legal procedures that follow. The cinematography by Greta Zozula balances a childlike point of view with searing reality, using POV shots to integrate the audience into Josephine and Damien's routine. The film's exploration of the aftermath and legal procedures highlights the inadequacies in law enforcement's approach to sexual assault, as officers prioritize catching the perpetrator while leaving Sandra alone, injured and traumatised.

The film also examines the impact of sexual violence on the young witness, Josephine, whose understanding of Sandra's pain requires explanations from her father that differ from her mother's approach. The performances of Tatum and Chan are outstanding, with Tatum delivering a dynamic and interior performance as a young father struggling to protect his daughter from adult violence, while Chan subtly hints at her own possible trauma.