Review of Joshua (1976) by Robert B — 02 Jan 2008
A well-to-do couple (Rockwell & Farmiga) bring home a second child, and start to experience problems when their first child Joshua begins to exhibit some disturbing passive-aggressive behaviour.
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. What works here is a strong attention to character and detail. Rockwell turns in a great performance as a hard-working man trying to balance his work and home relationships while staying positive. Rockwell is interesting to watch as he really layers this character quite effectively. Farmiga is amazing in this movie. She really plays a very unflattering role, and portrays post-partem depression in a very real, very uncommercial friendly way.
What also works in this film is the gradual buildup of tension with Joshua and his parents. You get the sense that they do kind of ignore him, and his motivations, while disturbing, almost seem justified in their own distorted way.
The result of these elements combined really make for an effective character driven thriller. One of the years best.
This review of Joshua (1976) was written by Robert B on 02 Jan 2008.
Joshua has generally received mixed reviews.
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