Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan play parents trying to help their daughter after a traumatic experience. At the center of it all is Mason Reeves, a young newcomer whose performance has become one of the most talked-about aspects of Josephine.
Written and directed by Beth de Araújo, this psychological drama has already made a major impression at film festivals, winning two of Sundance’s biggest awards. Now, it’s preparing for its US theatrical release.
But where can you watch Josephine? Is it on Netflix, Max, or Amazon Prime Video? And when might you be able to rent it online?
Here’s everything you need to know about the film’s theatrical release, streaming status, cast, reviews, and awards.
About Josephine (2026)
Josephine is an American psychological thriller-drama written, directed, and produced by Beth de Araújo. The film stars Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Philip Ettinger, and Syra McCarthy.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Director | Beth de Araújo |
| Screenplay | Beth de Araújo |
| Lead Cast | Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller-Drama |
| Distributor | Sumerian Pictures |
| Production Companies | Kaplan Morrison, Vibrato, Kinematics, Spark Features, Free Association |
| World Premiere | Sundance Film Festival, January 23, 2026 |
| US Limited Release | November 20, 2026 |
| US Wide Release | December 4, 2026 |
| Running Time | 121 minutes |
| Rating | R |
| Cinematographer | Greta Zozula |
| Music | Miles Ross |
The film follows the psychological fallout after eight-year-old Josephine witnesses a crime in Golden Gate Park. As she acts out, her parents struggle with helping their daughter cope, while facing their own fears around the topic and how to address it with their child.
The film is based on writer, director, and producer Beth de Araújo’s own lived experiences. De Araújo first developed the project through the Sundance Institute labs. Her screenplay and the project were selected for the 2018 Sundance Institute screenwriting and directing labs. Gemma Chan was cast in 2019, but the project stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2024, Channing Tatum, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, and Mason Reeves joined the cast. Reeves was discovered by de Araújo at the Clement Street Farmers Market. Principal photography began in April 2024 in San Francisco.
In addition to starring in the film, both Tatum and Chan served as producers. The production participated in the San Francisco “Scene in San Francisco Incentive Program” administered by the San Francisco Film Commission.
How to watch Josephine in the US?
Is Josephine in Theaters?
Yes. Josephine is scheduled to open in select US theaters on November 20, 2026, before expanding nationwide on December 4.
The film had its world premiere at the US Dramatic Competition section of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, where it won the Grand Jury Prize Dramatic and the Audience Award Dramatic. It then had its international premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 20, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear.
Sumerian Pictures is handling the theatrical release, with the film also attracting attention as a potential awards contender.
Once tickets and local showtimes become available, check these theater and ticketing websites:
| Platform | Website |
|---|---|
| Fandango | fandango.com |
| AMC Theatres | amctheatres.com |
| Regal Cinemas | regmovies.com |
| Cinemark | cinemark.com |
Availability will vary by location. If the movie doesn’t appear at your local theater immediately, check again closer to the release date.
Can I stream Josephine?
No. As of now, Josephine does not have an announced streaming release. The film is distributed by Sumerian Pictures, and a wide US theatrical release is the current focus.
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Not available |
| Max (HBO Max) | Not available |
| Amazon Prime Video | Not available |
| Apple TV+ | Not available |
| Disney+ | Not available |
| Peacock | Not available |
| Hulu | Not available |
| Paramount+ | Not available |
Sumerian Pictures is an independent distributor without a standing output deal with a major streaming platform, which means the eventual streaming home for Josephine is still an open question. Given the film’s awards momentum and Oscar campaign, Sumerian is likely to maximize the theatrical window before making any streaming announcements.
Can I Rent or Buy Josephine Online?
Not yet. Digital rental and purchase options are not currently available. For independent films with active awards campaigns, VOD windows often arrive 45 to 60 days after limited theatrical release, though Sumerian may extend that window given the film’s Oscar push.
No official digital release date has been confirmed at the time of writing.
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When will Josephine be on streaming?
No streaming date has been confirmed. Based on typical indie distribution timelines, here is what to expect:
| Window | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| Limited Theatrical (US) | November 20, 2026 |
| Wide Theatrical (US) | December 4, 2026 |
| Digital VOD (Rent/Buy) | Likely 45 to 60 days after limited release |
| Streaming | To be confirmed; no platform announced |
| Physical (Blu-ray/DVD) | Typically 3 to 4 months after theatrical |
Check Sumerian Pictures’ official channels for any streaming announcement.
Cast of Josephine (2026)
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Reeves | Josephine, an eight-year-old who witnesses an assault | Film debut |
| Channing Tatum | Damien, Josephine’s father | Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street |
| Gemma Chan | Claire, Josephine’s mother | Eternals, Crazy Rich Asians |
| Philip Ettinger | Greg, the assailant | Marriage Story, First Reformed |
| Syra McCarthy | Sandra, a victim | Supporting role |
| Eleanore Pienta | Kerry | Supporting role |
| Michael Angelo Covino | Francisco Castellanos, a lawyer | The Climb |
| Dana Millican | Miss Hoffman, a school counselor | Supporting role |
Mason Reeves was discovered by de Araújo at the Clement Street Farmers Market and makes her screen debut here in the title role. Her performance has drawn some of the loudest praise from critics across the entire film year.
Reviews and Critical Reception
Josephine has earned some of the strongest reviews of any film in 2026. On Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 88 critics’ reviews are positive. The site’s consensus reads that Beth de Araújo navigates disturbing material with a remarkably deft touch, calling Josephine a masterful drama that explores the ripple effects of trauma with empathy and outstanding performances. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 86 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating universal acclaim.
The last time a film won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance was CODA, which went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
| Critic / Publication | Verdict |
|---|---|
| The Film Stage | Called it a stomach-churning drama on the loss of innocence; praised its formal approach to Josephine’s emotional state |
| The A.V. Club (Jacob Oller) | Described it as harrowing, critical, and undeniably powerful |
| Sundance Audience | Standing ovations at multiple screenings |
| Variety | Published a review ahead of wide release with strong praise |
| SFGATE | Described the Sundance premiere as heartbreaking, with multiple standing ovations |
Sumerian founder Ash Avildsen and Sumerian Pictures President Rob Williams described the film as an enthralling, deeply emotional, and powerful film that deserves all the acclaim and accolades it has already received.
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Awards and Festival History
Josephine won the US Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance, was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and won the Breakthrough Director Award at both the Celebration of Cinema and Television and the Montclair Film Festival. Gemma Chan won the Lumiere Award at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sundance Film Festival 2026 | US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize | Won |
| Sundance Film Festival 2026 | US Dramatic Audience Award | Won |
| Berlin International Film Festival 2026 | Golden Bear | Nominated |
| Celebration of Cinema and Television | Breakthrough Director (Beth de Araújo) | Won |
| Montclair Film Festival 2026 | Breakthrough Director Award | Won |
| SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2026 | Lumiere Award (Gemma Chan) | Won |
| Palm Springs International Film Festival 2026 | Directors to Watch | Won |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Josephine?
Josephine opens in select US theaters on November 20, 2026, and expands nationwide on December 4. It is not currently available on any streaming platform or for digital rental.
Is Josephine on Netflix, Max, or any streaming service?
No. No streaming platform has been announced. Sumerian Pictures is an independent distributor without a standing deal with a major streaming service, so the streaming home has not yet been confirmed.
When does Josephine come out?
It opens in limited theaters on November 20, 2026, with a nationwide expansion on December 4, 2026.
Who directed Josephine?
Beth de Araújo wrote, directed, and produced the film. It is her second feature, following her 2022 debut Soft & Quiet, which premiered at SXSW.
Who stars in Josephine?
Mason Reeves leads the film in her acting debut, with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan playing her parents. Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, Eleanore Pienta, and Michael Angelo Covino round out the cast.
Is Josephine based on a true story?
Yes. Josephine is based on writer, director, and producer Beth de Araújo’s personal life experiences.
What is Josephine rated?
The film is rated R. It contains disturbing depictions of violence and themes of trauma, and is not suitable for children.
Is Josephine an Oscar contender?
Sumerian Pictures has committed to a major awards campaign for Josephine, pushing for Oscars in acting, picture, director, and original screenplay categories.
This article will be updated as streaming and VOD release dates for Josephine are officially confirmed.
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