Los Angeles Review: Nicolas Cage Stars in ‘The Carpenter’s Son’ – A Biblical Horror Flick That’s So Bad, It’s Almost Good
Abhira 
‘The Carpenter’s Son,’ directed by Lotfy Nathan, is a biblical horror film that attempts to blend supernatural thrills with an apocryphal gospel story. The film stars Nicolas Cage alongside FKA Twigs and features Noah Jupe in the significant role of a teenage Jesus, who is faced with temptation by Satan. The movie tries to explore dark spiritual themes through a horror lens, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
Plot and Performances
The story centers around young Jesus, navigating a world filled with supernatural challenges and sinister forces. Nicolas Cage and FKA Twigs headline the cast, delivering performances that vary from intense to unintentionally amusing, which contributes to the film’s strange charm. Despite its ambitious concept, ‘The Carpenter’s Son’ struggles to maintain a consistent tone, which results in a viewing experience that oscillates between unsettling and unintentionally funny.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, the film employs atmospheric cinematography that captures a haunting and mysterious biblical era. However, the screenplay and dialogue often bog down the pacing, making it difficult for audiences to fully engage with the narrative or the characters. The supernatural elements incorporated into the story feel underdeveloped, leaving viewers craving more depth and clarity.
Acting Highlights
- Nicolas Cage’s presence brings a familiar energy to the film, though even his performance can’t fully rescue the movie from its uneven storytelling.
- FKA Twigs adds a unique flair, but her character remains somewhat underutilized.
- Noah Jupe’s portrayal of a conflicted teenage Jesus is one of the more compelling aspects, offering a fresh perspective.
Despite these strengths, Jupe’s character ultimately feels lost in the larger, muddled plot.
Overall Impression
‘The Carpenter’s Son’ attempts to be a thought-provoking supernatural thriller rooted in biblical mythology, but the blend of horror and religious themes may divide audiences. Fans of darker, unconventional biblical stories might find it intriguing, while others could view it as a misstep in genre filmmaking. The movie’s flaws ironically make it a curious watch – it’s so bad that it’s almost good, providing both horror fans and Cage enthusiasts something to discuss.
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