Joshua (R, 2007)

In this suspenseful psychological thriller, rich Manhattanites Brad and Abby Cairn (Sam Rockwell and Vera Farmiga) bring newborn Lily home to meet 9-year-old Joshua (Jacob Kogan), their handsome, talented son. But the family's happiness is short-lived. As an only child at the center of his family's attention, Joshua was able to soar, his manipulative, destructive nature kept in check. But Lily's arrival changes everything, drawing out Joshua's devious, ruthless nature. He's savvy to his parents' weaknesses: His mother has suffered from post-partum depression before, his father's under pressure at work, and so on. Combining his brilliant mind with an utter lack of conscience, Joshua methodically moves to regain the status quo. The tension builds, and the stakes get higher and higher as Joshua exploits his family's fragility and vulnerability.

Crafted with skill, intelligence, and a keen awareness of what makes an audience shiver and squirm, JOSHUA is a tight, suspenseful psychological thriller. In Joshua, director George Ratliff has created a parent's worst nightmare -- an evil character as memorable as The Omen's Damien or even Hannibal Lecter.

There's not much overt violence, but the audience is always aware of the danger. Still, though, the filmmakers are able to keep viewers guessing. Isn't it possible that each ominous incident could be explained by either coincidence or innocent misunderstanding? Aside from a very few missteps (for example, the appearance of an odd, illogical videotape), Joshua succeeds on every level. Music, lighting, creative direction, and masterful editing all serve the characters and the plot.

Studio: ATO Pictures
Director: George Ratliff
Cast: Kevin Dorff, Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 107 minutes
Theatrical release: July 5, 2007
DVD release: January 8, 2008
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language and some disturbing behavior by a child.