Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-key hunting drama has trauma, some language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Integrity of Joseph Chambers
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE INTEGRITY OF JOSEPH CHAMBERS, family man Joe (Clayne Crawford) unwisely decides to head into the woods to test his skills as a hunter.
Is It Any Good?
This low-key drama reunites star Crawford with writer and director Robert Machoian, after the pair impressed with 2020 indie hit The Killing of Two Lovers. In The Integrity of Joseph Chambers, Crawford takes a break from his mainstream movie and TV roles to play Joe, a jovial family man whose behavior hints at feelings of inadequacy beneath the surface. With a tiny cast and largely outdoor setting, both Crawford and Machoian do an impressive job of making Joe's psyche fill the woodland he roams. After a slightly hurried setup, we're locked in as he seeks to find himself, only to have to deal with the aftermath of an event that will probably scar him for life. However, the movie is not without its lighter touches before that. Exploring Joe's loneliness and boredom is frequently made relatable rather than depressing. That Joe's final reckoning is with his own conscience only ratchets another twist into the drama. This is a story of an everyman driven to grim extremes as he tries to live with himself. Part fable, part nightmare, it's a lean but memorable character study.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Integrity of Joseph Chambers. How was it different from violence you see in other movies? Did the filmmakers' efforts to make the violence more realistic make it scarier? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Talk about hunting for sport. Do you think it's right or wrong?
How was Joe different from Tess' blood relatives? What impact did this have on him?
Discuss the movie's use of sound. Did you ever find it confusing or scary? How did the story use natural and unnatural soundtracks to tell us things about Joe and his world?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : February 17, 2023
- Cast : Clayne Crawford , Jordana Brewster , Michael Raymond-James
- Director : Robert Machoian
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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