The Carpenter's Son
A remote village in Roman-era Egypt explodes into spiritual warfare when a carpenter, his wife and their child are targeted by supernatural forces.
Trailer
Review
In 'The Carpenter's Son,' director Lotfy Nathan takes a bold swing at biblical horror, transporting viewers to a remote Egyptian village in the Roman era where spiritual warfare erupts around a humble family. The film opens with an atmospheric dread that immediately establishes its unique setting—dusty landscapes, ancient superstitions, and the palpable tension of a community on edge. Nicolas Cage delivers a surprisingly restrained performance as the carpenter Joseph, whose quiet strength anchors the chaos, while Noah Jupe and FKA twigs bring emotional depth as the family members caught in a supernatural maelstrom. Nathan's direction excels in building suspense through visual storytelling rather than cheap jump scares, using the stark desert backdrop to amplify the isolation and terror. The horror elements blend folkloric dread with psychological unease, though the pacing occasionally falters in the second act. Cinematographer David Gallego captures the era with earthy tones and shadowy interiors that feel authentically ancient, while the sound design—a mix of whispers, desert winds, and unsettling silences—adds layers to the mounting fear. Despite its flaws, the film offers a fresh take on a familiar narrative, weaving historical context with supernatural horror in ways that feel both innovative and unsettling.
Pros
- ✓Nicolas Cage's nuanced performance as Joseph adds emotional weight to the horror
- ✓Atmospheric direction and cinematography create a genuinely immersive ancient setting
- ✓Unique blend of historical drama and supernatural horror feels fresh and inventive
- ✓Strong supporting cast, particularly FKA twigs and Noah Jupe, elevate the family dynamics
Cons
- ✗Pacing issues in the middle act slow the narrative momentum
- ✗Some supernatural elements lack clear rules, reducing their impact
- ✗The 4.7/10 audience score suggests divisive reception to its unconventional approach
'The Carpenter's Son' is a daring and atmospheric horror film that succeeds more often than it stumbles. While its slow-burn pacing and ambiguous supernatural rules may frustrate some viewers, the film's strengths—particularly its immersive setting, strong performances, and unique premise—make it worth watching for horror enthusiasts seeking something different. Lotfy Nathan demonstrates a confident visual style that elevates the material beyond typical genre fare, and the cast delivers committed performances that ground the supernatural elements in human emotion. This isn't a perfect film, but its ambition and execution in blending historical drama with spiritual horror deserve recognition. For those willing to engage with its deliberate pace and atmospheric scares, 'The Carpenter's Son' offers a memorable cinematic experience that lingers longer than many more conventional horror films. It's a solid recommendation for viewers who appreciate mood over mayhem and storytelling over spectacle.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Horror fans seeking atmospheric, slow-burn films; viewers interested in historical or biblical narratives with a supernatural twist; admirers of Nicolas Cage's dramatic work and unique genre projects
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's greatest achievement is its fully realized ancient setting—every detail from costume to production design feels authentically lived-in, creating a rare sense of historical immersion in a horror context. Nicolas Cage's against-type performance as a restrained, vulnerable father adds unexpected emotional depth, while Lotfy Nathan's direction balances quiet character moments with genuinely unsettling supernatural tension.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents strong filmmaking that deserves your attention.
