Joshua DVD Review

Unlike the horror or thrillerish film you might expect when sitting down to watch this film, Joshua finds a way to embody familiar elements while completely standing out on its own and becoming fine piece of dark film that makes you use your mind. This well shot and perfectly casted film captures your intrigue while forcing you into a psychological corner.

The establishing opening of the film, which was inspired by French cinema, is strong in how it presents the setting while not becoming too overbearing as some films of this nature tend to do. Joshua (Jacob Kogan) is creepy from the beginning. You’re not sure exactly what is off about him at first but you know that something is not right. As the story unfolds though, you find him more and more disturbing.

Joshua tells a great tale of a young boy (Joshua) dealing with being overly intelligent, losing the attention of his parents because of a new baby sister, and having strange feelings. Before long, Joshua starts taking control of life around him and painting it with his evil brush. The way the nine year-old boy pits people against each other, especially his parents, is smart and ironic. In fact, sometimes the dramatic irony is so strong that it adds yet another layer of discomfort. This film comes at you from angles you don’t expect, which makes it that much more enjoyable because it would have been easy to fall into the trenches of “just another genre film.” Although it does embody concepts and feelings similar to classics such as The Shining and Rosemary’s Baby, there is more than enough for this film to carry itself on its own two feet.

Sam Rockwell brilliantly depicts Brad, a busy businessman trying to balance work and family, although it is evident that family takes precedent. Staying consistent with other roles she has played, Vera Famiga is dynamite as Abby, the mother at wits end who is unexplainably being tormented. The supporting cast provides performances that are just as noteworthy. Dallas Roberts, Michael McKean (although it would have been nice to see more of him), and Celia Weston are key characters that truly come to life although they don’t have the most screen time.

What makes the story so interesting is that it is naturally character driven. Joshua is the focus and he keeps us guessing. Although there is not clear definitive evidence to prove his evil doings, the inferences that play with your mind and the way acts are proof enough. Yet, we never actually see him do anything. But we know. It’s fascinating because it puts us in the same emotional state as the other characters. It’s strange, in fact, to feel connected to Rockwell’s character when he violently acts out toward Joshua. The character of Joshua is brilliant. It’s heavily similar to that of Iago in Othello. He is maliciously malevolent. Although there are a couple of things that could possibly explain his behavior, in the end, he is just the embodiment of evil for no reason. So smart and creepy that it makes you ponder people who wander around in reality.

Besides being a well-paced film that doesn’t blow its wad too soon, Joshua mixes in some pure comedy. For instance, when Joshua is hit squarely by a dodgeball and doesn’t move, it’s hilarious. And when Brad so seriously tells Abby that he loves the smell of her pits, a straight face is not an option. Part of the fun of this film is being able to laugh one minute and be utterly creeped out the next. George Ratliff, the director, and David Gilbert, the co-writer, are a dynamic team that knew exactly what they were doing with this film.

The Special Features aren’t too fantastic but they deliver insight as well as fun tidbits. The commentary by Ratliff and Gilbert is great. That’s where you get most of what you’re looking for. The Cast and Crew Interviews are good but a little short. However, you get some great things being said by the actors, especially Jacob Kogan. Unfortunately, Kogan’s audition is not as audacious as you might hope. It’s interesting to see a child audition though. The Dave Matthews Music Video for Fly is so-so. It’s creepier and more effective when Kogan sings it in the film. Other than that, the Deleted Scenes and Trailers are business as usual.

If you’re looking for a blood splattered retelling of The Omen, this is not your film. If you’re looking for something smart that you can enjoy on the same level as classic psychological horror films, Joshua is your film.