‘Josephine’ Trailer Shows Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan Confronting the Aftermath of Violence
Beth de Araújo’s second feature explores the ripple effects of trauma on parents and children, with a tense new trailer highlighting the emotional stakes.
Beth de Araújo’s latest film, ‘Josephine,’ dives into the aftermath of a violent act witnessed by a child, with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan playing the parents struggling to process and protect. The trailer reveals a story rooted in the quiet horror of a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning that turns into a moment of profound upheaval for a family. The incident, inspired by a real event from de Araújo’s youth, acts as a catalyst for examining how innocence is shattered and the ripple effects that follow.
The film’s tone is set by de Araújo’s signature blend of dread and intimacy, building tension through a steady accumulation of unease rather than overt shock. Critics who’ve seen it, like IndieWire’s Kate Erbland, describe her as a director capable of evoking overwhelming heartsickness—an emotional landscape that lingers long after viewing. ‘Josephine’ premiered at Sundance and has since gained recognition on the festival circuit, with TIFF screenings further cementing its standing as a quietly powerful piece about trauma and witness.
Central to the film’s emotional core is Mason Reeves, a young actor from the same San Francisco neighborhood that inspired de Araújo. Her casting was deliberate, with the director emphasizing the importance of creating a positive experience for him during the shoot. The film’s production process was a long journey, from initial drafts in 2014 to a pivotal Sundance Labs revision in 2018, before casting and shooting in just six weeks—highlighting how much care and precision went into bringing this story to life.
In the trailer, Tatum and Chan’s characters are shown grappling with unseen scars, their attempts to parent masking the internal chaos unleashed by the event. The film’s exploration of how good intentions can be undermined by the world’s violence adds a layer of complexity to its portrayal of familial bonds. It’s a film that questions whether we can truly shield our children from the horrors that lurk just outside our safe spaces.
Watch the trailer here, which hints at the steady, creeping dread that defines de Araújo’s filmmaking style. Her previous work, like ‘Soft & Quiet,’ demonstrated her talent for capturing intense emotional states—‘Josephine’ promises to continue that tradition, focusing on the slow, relentless impact of witnessing evil. The film is a reminder of how trauma is often an unspoken, invisible wound that shapes every aspect of family life.
The film's themes resonate in an era where the line between safety and danger feels increasingly blurred, making ‘Josephine’ a timely reflection on the personal cost of violence. Its festival run and critical reception suggest it’s a work that will linger in viewers’ minds, asking uncomfortable questions about protection, witness, and the limits of parental love.
More about the film and its journey can be found at IndieWire.
1 Desk note
Fiona Campbell
Looks intense and emotional—Beth de Araújo’s storytelling seems poised to hit close to home for many.