Curzon has announced that Beth de Araújo’s evocative, award-winning drama JOSEPHINE will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 20 November 2026.
After making waves on the festival circuit, Beth de Araújo’s haunting new film, Josephine, has secured a UK release date! Releasing under the Curzon banner, the evocative thriller stars Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, and newcomer Mason Reeves, and is coming to UK cinemas on 20 November 2026.
The film follows eight-year-old Josephine, who accidentally witnesses a horrific sex crime. Unable to comprehend the disturbing events she has seen, the youngster begins acting out as she desperately tries to make sense of an experience no child should ever have to endure.
What follows is an emotionally charged struggle as Josephine’s parents fight to comfort their daughter and help her navigate a world she is far too young to understand. But as Josephine grapples with the trauma of what she witnessed, her distress begins to manifest in increasingly alarming ways. Desperate to regain a sense of safety and control, she begins searching for ways to protect herself, with devastating consequences looming just beneath the surface.
SYNOPSIS
After 8-year-old Josephine accidentally witnesses a crime in Golden Gate Park, she acts out in search of a way to regain control of her safety while adults are helpless to console her.
Following her acclaimed debut feature Soft & Quiet, which premiered at SXSW, writer-director Beth de Araújo returns with JOSEPHINE, bringing her distinctive and unflinching eye to a deeply affecting story about the impact of violence on a child.
THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT
The film made its world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, taking home both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. It went on to screen in Competition at the Berlin International Film Festival, followed by a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film received its UK Premiere on 13 October at the BFI London Film Festival, and we were there to see it.
REACTIONS
Josephine is a powerhouse of a film, elevated by incredible performances from Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan. However, it’s newcomer Mason Reeves who delivers the standout turn, commanding the screen with a remarkable performance that belies her young age. Anchored by its harrowing narrative and emotionally devastating themes, Beth de Araújo’s film is a cinematic gem that demands to be seen.
In my screening reactions, I said: “Beth de Araújo’s Josephine is a deeply powerful, taut, and intimate exploration of child trauma. Newcomer Mason Reeves shines against the harrowing narrative, which is heartbreaking and resonant in equal measure. A stunning piece of filmmaking from top to bottom.”
RELEASE
This is phenomenal news! Josephine is a chilling, harrowing experience, elevated by extraordinary performances from its incredible cast. Channing Tatum has never been better, delivering a wounded, nuanced performance that deserves serious recognition. Gemma Chan is equally compelling as a mother desperately trying to equip her daughter with the tools to face a world that has suddenly become terrifyingly cruel. Her performance is both resonant and profoundly moving. And then there’s newcomer Mason Reeves, who is simply unmissable in the title role. Her remarkable turn as Josephine will leave a lasting impression.
As mentioned above, the film releases in UK cinemas on 20 November 2026. So get ready to book a ticket and experience one of the year’s best dramas.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
