“Biblical Horror Film Fails to Engage Audiences”
Films based on biblical narratives often attempt to captivate audiences with dramatic interpretations of sacred texts. However, “The Carpenter’s Son,” directed by Lotfy Nathan, falls flat in this regard. Despite its ambitious premise, the film struggles to engage viewers, resulting in what some might call a dull cinematic experience.
A Messy Interpretation of Biblical Stories
Based on the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, “The Carpenter’s Son” explores Jesus Christ’s childhood through a unique lens. Set against a backdrop of biblical horror and suffering, the narrative presents Jesus, played by Noah Jupe, grappling with his divine powers. Nicolas Cage takes on the role of Joseph, and FKA Twigs portrays his mother.
Plot Overview
The film centers on the early years of Jesus, highlighting his family’s attempts to shield him from the world. Joseph and his wife resort to moving from village to village to avoid attracting unwarranted attention to their son. Throughout the movie, the themes of temptation and rebellion are explored as Jesus begins to discover his abilities.
- Main Characters:
- Jesus – Noah Jupe
- Joseph – Nicolas Cage
- Mary – FKA Twigs
- Young Villager – Isla Johnston
- Release Date: November 14, 2025
- Director/Writer: Lotfy Nathan
Mixed Genre Exploration
The film attempts to blend horror elements with biblical storytelling. However, it struggles to maintain suspense or coherence. While there are scenes involving supernatural occurrences—such as lepers and ominous figures—the effectiveness of these elements is undermined by lackluster pacing and narrative choices.
Despite the horror-adjacent visuals, such as infected wounds and dark settings, the movie veers between dramatic tension and the mundanity of parental dilemmas. This contrast muddles the overall structure and affects character development.
Performances and Critique
Performances in “The Carpenter’s Son” are uneven. Noah Jupe’s portrayal of Jesus oscillates between a naïve child and an all-powerful figure, leading to confusion. Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Joseph lacks depth, while FKA Twigs’s performance does little to distinguish her character.
Isla Johnston, as a young villager, offers the most intriguing performance. Her role emphasizes the struggle between good and evil, yet her character does not succeed in creating genuine tension.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “The Carpenter’s Son” fails to engage audiences through its blend of horror and biblical themes. The film’s convoluted narrative and inconsistent performances leave it overshadowed by more compelling interpretations of religious stories. As it stands, viewers may find this adaptation lacking in both excitement and cohesion.
