Josephine (2026 film)
2026 American drama film
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Josephine is a 2026 American thriller-drama film, written, directed, and produced by Beth de Araújo. It stars Gemma Chan, Channing Tatum, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, Michael Angelo Covino, and Mason Reeves.
- Beth de Araújo
- David Kaplan
- Mark H. Rapaport
- Josh Peters
- Joshua Beirne-Golden
- Crystine Zhang
- Gemma Chan
- Channing Tatum
- Gemma Chan
- Channing Tatum
- Philip Ettinger
- Syra McCarthy
- Michael Angelo Covino
- Mason Reeves
| Josephine | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Beth de Araújo |
| Written by | Beth de Araújo |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Greta Zozula |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Miles Ross |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Sumerian Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film had its world premiere at the U.S. Dramatic Competition section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, where it won the Grand Jury Prize Dramatic and the Audience Award Dramatic. It had its international premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 20, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear.[1]
Premise
After eight-year-old Josephine witnesses a brutal assault in Golden Gate Park, she begins to experience fear and paranoia.[2]
Cast
- Gemma Chan as Claire
- Channing Tatum as Damien
- Mason Reeves as Josephine, Claire and Damien's daughter who witnesses the assault
- Philip Ettinger as Greg, a rapist
- Syra McCarthy as Sandra, a victim of sexual assault
- Eleanore Pienta as Kerry
- Michael Angelo Covino as Francisco Castellanos, a lawyer
- Dana Millican as Miss Hoffman, a lawyer[3]
Production
Beth de Araújo and her screenplay Josephine were selected for the 2018 Sundance Institute screenwriting and directing labs.[4][5] Gemma Chan was cast in 2019.[6] The project stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] In July 2024, Channing Tatum, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, and Mason Reeves joined the cast of the film.[8] Reeves was discovered by de Araújo at the Clement Street Farmers Market.[9]
Principal photography began April 2024 in San Francisco.[10]
Release
Josephine premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section of the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2026.[11] It also screened at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in the Competition section on February 20, 2026.[12] In February 2026, Sumerian Pictures acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film in a seven-figure deal.[13]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 88 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "Navigating disturbing material with a remarkably deft touch, Beth De Araújo's Josephine is a masterful drama that explores the ripple effects of trauma with empathy and outstanding performances."[14] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 86 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[15]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | February 22, 2026 | Golden Bear | Josephine | Nominated | [16] |
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | January 4, 2026 | Directors to Watch | Beth de Araújo | Won | [17] |
| Sundance Film Festival | February 1, 2026 | U.S. Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize | Josephine | Won | [18] |
| U.S. Dramatic Competition Audience Award | Won |