Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan lead an emotional journey as protective parents in the upcoming drama, *Josephine*, set to capture audiences when it opens in limited theatres on 20 November, with a nationwide rollout scheduled for 4 December.
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The film, helmed by writer and director Beth de Araújo, presents a poignant exploration of the impact of trauma on a family. It revolves around the story of Josephine, an eight-year-old girl portrayed by Mason Reeves in her debut feature film role, who witnesses a horrific crime in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. The traumatic experience poses significant challenges for her as she and her family grapple with the aftermath of such violence.
The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into the family’s life before the dark event and how they begin to navigate their new reality. Set against the backdrop of a courtroom, the trailer opens with young Josephine taking the witness stand, a situation that only hints at the emotional turbulence that the family is about to face. The atmosphere builds as viewers watch their lives change drastically.
Tatum, 46, embodies the role of Josephine’s father, a character determined to empower his daughter in her darkest moments. As they explore the park together, he encourages her to summon strength in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Chan, 43, who takes on the role of mother, endeavours to guide Josephine through her emotional turmoil, imparting wisdom with cautionary words: “There will be so many people that will hurt you. But it is your responsibility to fix your own pain.”
As Josephine seeks to regain her footing by attending karate classes and attempting to re-engage with the world, the film poignantly showcases the struggles of both her parents and the adults surrounding her. They often appear at a loss, grappling with the weight of Josephine’s trauma while striving to understand her psyche. “Josephine, have you told anybody else what you saw?” a therapist asks in a moment that underscores the gravity of the situation.
Throughout the trailer, Josephine is depicted as deeply haunted by her experiences. One striking moment reveals her sharing, “It’s the ghost,” followed by an explanation of her distressing visions: “I see him everywhere.” This haunting sentiment encapsulates the psychological burden of trauma that the young girl carries in the wake of the crime.
Written and directed by Beth de Araújo, *Josephine* delves into the complex psychological aftermath of a child’s violent encounter, while the narrative unfolds around the efforts of her parents to provide her with a sense of safety and security. Their own fears and doubts about her wellbeing further complicate their journey.
*Josephine* made a significant impact at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered on 23 January and won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. This recognition reflects the film’s deep emotional resonance and its capacity to engage viewers on a fundamental level.
Alongside Tatum and Chan, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Philip Ettinger, Michael Angelo Covino, Dana Millican, and Syra McCarthy, all of whom contribute to the film’s exploration of familial bonds tested by unforeseen tragedy.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation grows for *Josephine*, a film poised to evoke empathy and understanding through its portrayal of trauma and healing. In a world increasingly aware of the effects of violence on the innocent, this drama promises to shine a light on both the fragile nature of childhood and the resilience found within family ties.