Joshua

Joshua

Year: 2007

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: George Ratliff

DramaThriller

Brad and Abby, a successful stockbroker and his wife, live a seemingly perfect life with their gifted son, Joshua. The arrival of a new baby daughter should bring even more joy, but unsettling events begin to occur. Their pets die mysteriously, the infant cries incessantly, and Joshua displays a disturbing obsession with mummification. As the family's idyllic existence unravels, they must confront a growing sense of dread and a darkness connected to their extraordinary child.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Joshua (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Joshua (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie doesn't specify a particular historical time period but presents a modern setting characterized by contemporary family dynamics and societal expectations. It unfolds in a seemingly stable environment that gradually shifts toward dysfunction, mirroring the challenges faced by families today.

Location

New York City

New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and rich cultural diversity. It serves as a backdrop for the lives of affluent families and showcases contrasting elements of urban living. The city's vibrant atmosphere and complexity reflect the tumultuous emotional landscape of the Cairn family.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Main Characters – Joshua (2007)

Meet the key characters of Joshua (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brad Cairn (Sam Rockwell)

Brad is a young stockbroker who appears to lead a successful life but is unprepared for the psychological battles within his family. His reactions to Joshua’s unsettling behavior indicate a mix of confusion and despair. As his family's dynamics spiral, he struggles to maintain authority and protect his loved ones.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Man 😟 Conflicted

Abby Cairn (Vera Farmiga)

Abby is a mother caught in the throes of anxiety and mental strain, especially after the arrival of her newborn. Her attempts to balance love and care for her children become increasingly fraught with tension. As Joshua's behavior becomes more alarming, her vulnerability and desperation amplify, pushing her toward a breakdown.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 😥 Struggling

Joshua Cairn (Jacob Kogan)

Joshua is portrayed as a profoundly intelligent yet deeply troubled child. His precociousness masks a sinister design to manipulate his family dynamics for personal gain. Through his unsettling actions, he reveals a disconnect from normal childhood behavior, culminating in chilling and tragic outcomes.

🧒 Troubled Genius 🕵️ Manipulator

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Major Themes – Joshua (2007)

Explore the central themes of Joshua (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Intelligence

The theme of intelligence manifests through Joshua’s hyper-intellect and precocious behavior. This brilliance enables him to manipulate those around him, raising questions about the implications of nurturing such extraordinary capabilities. The film explores how exceptional intelligence can isolate individuals and lead to unsettling consequences.

😱 Manipulation

Manipulation is a central theme illustrated by Joshua's calculated actions to achieve his ulterior motive. His ability to play on the fears and vulnerabilities of his family highlights the darker side of cunning intelligence. This theme emphasizes the lengths one might go to for personal gain, particularly in familial relationships.

😨 Dysfunction

Dysfunction within the family unit is vividly portrayed as tensions escalate and trust erodes. The arrival of a new sibling exacerbates existing fractures, revealing deep-seated psychological issues. The film starkly depicts how external pressures and individual struggles can disrupt familial harmony.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Unlock the Full Story of Joshua

Don't stop at just watching — explore Joshua in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Joshua is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Joshua Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Joshua, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Joshua Summary

Joshua Timeline

Track the full timeline of Joshua with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Joshua Timeline

More About Joshua

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Joshua: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Joshua

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