Joshua

Synopsis

"Joshua" (2017) is an American drama directed by George Ratliff that explores the psychological unraveling of a young prodigy named Joshua and the impact of his unsettling behavior on his family. The story centers around Joshua, a gifted 9-year-old boy who exhibits perfectionist tendencies and increasingly disturbing actions that challenge the family’s understanding and patience. The film delves deep into themes of childhood trauma, familial strain, and the complexities of a child's mind when confronting emotional turmoil. With intense performances and a quietly unnerving atmosphere, "Joshua" raises questions about innocence and the potential darkness that can lurk beneath a calm exterior.

Cast

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  Joshua

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  Connor Kline

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  Tryp Bates

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  Tate

Reviews

"Joshua" received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of around 72%, indicating generally favorable reviews with critics praising the strong performances, especially that of Sam Rockwell and Jacob Kogan. The film's slow-building tension and psychological complexity were noted as strengths, with some reviewers comparing its style and tone to classic psychological thrillers. For example, Rotten Tomatoes' consensus highlights the film's effort to explore the darker side of family dynamics and childhood trauma. However, some reviewers on Metacritic rated the movie around 58 out of 100, pointing out pacing issues and suggesting the film might not appeal to audiences seeking a more conventional thriller. IMDb users give the film an average rating of approximately 6.2/10, appreciating the thought-provoking narrative but occasionally finding the story unsettling. Overall, critics acknowledge "Joshua" as a disturbing and haunting psychological drama that is both challenging and compelling, though it may not be universally accessible due to its slow and unsettling nature.