The Carpenter’s Son Review
The Carpenters Son is a visually disturbing interpretation of a period in Jesus’ teenage years. The sound design and cinematography highlight a filmmaker with a clear command of his visual craft if not always as strong in his overall direction. This is a film that will undoubtedly divide audiences; whether you have a faith or not, it challenges viewers to see “the greatest story ever told” through a new and unsettling lens.
One of the standout elements is The Carpenter’s Son eerie, disquieting atmosphere. The visuals depict a grim reimagining of what a miracle might look like, and the director’s vision is evident from the very beginning. You enter the film already on edge, unsure of what to expect, and almost immediately you’re confronted with harrowing imagery burning infants and demonic figures lurking in the shadows.
The sound design may be the film’s most haunting aspect. The score and audio work are crafted specifically to make the audience uncomfortable. Even in quieter scenes, the sound creeps under your skin, creating unease even when the visuals themselves aren’t particularly shocking.
The cast delivers strong performances throughout. Nicolas Cage is surprisingly compelling as Joseph you can feel his character wrestling with his faith, his son, and the strange world they inhabit. He tries to be a protective father while grappling with the mystery of the boy’s true heritage. Cage delivers some powerful monologues helped by the haunting sound design. Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place ) gives what might be a breakout performance as Jesus. He portrays a tender young man corrupted by temptation and burden, and the final scenes showcase some of his strongest work to date. FKA Twigs ( The Crow ) plays a subtle, grounded Mary, although her character feels slightly underwritten, which prevents her from matching the impact of her co-stars. The young actor Isla Johnston portraying Satan delivers the role with intensity and venom, someone to keep an eye on in future projects.
The film’s issues, while not deal-breakers, are noticeable. The story, though intriguing, occasionally suffers from unclear direction. The first half sometimes feels unsure of its destination, but the final act ties the film’s intentions together with clarity and power.
The director Lofty Nathan succeeds in presenting a dark, twisted interpretation of Jesus’ early life a tale of burden, expectation, and inner turmoil. It’s a bold, ambitious vision, and it leaves you eager to see what this filmmaker does next. Pacing issues aside, The Carpenter’s Son is a frightening, often beautifully horrific watch.
★★★
In cinemas November 21st / Nicholas Cage, FKA twigs, Noah Jupe, Isla Johnston/ Dir. Lofty Nathan/ Altitude films UK/ 15
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