Josephine

Josephine is a drama about an eight-year-old girl whose understanding of safety is shattered after she and her father witness a disturbing incident in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. As she struggles with the resulting trauma, her parents take different approaches to helping her recover, while Josephine becomes increasingly hypervigilant and begins acting out violently at school. Inspired by director Beth de Araújo’s own childhood memory, the film explores the lasting effects of witnessing cruelty and the difficult process of reclaiming a sense of power.

When: Opens Friday, December 4

Run time: 2 hours, 1 minute

Director: Beth de Araújo

Featuring: Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, and Gemma Chan

Story: After Josephine and her father, Damien, witness an attack, Damien enrolls her in martial arts to help her regain confidence. Her mother, Claire, instead supports therapy and urges Josephine to testify in court. Caught between these conflicting responses, Josephine remains emotionally scarred, acts out at school, and constantly scans her surroundings for possible threats.

Inspiration: The film draws on a childhood memory from director Beth de Araújo.

Venue: Coolidge Corner Theatre

Tickets: Price not available