Imagine a horror film starring Nicolas Cage as a figure shrouded in religious mystery, set in ancient Roman Egypt. Sounds intriguing, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: The Carpenter’s Son attempts to blend biblical storytelling with supernatural thrills, yet it falls short of delivering a truly impactful experience. Let’s dive into why this film feels like a missed opportunity, despite its bold premise.
PLOT: A family, comprising a mother, a father, and their son, seeks refuge in Roman Egypt. The son, referred to only as ‘the Boy,’ harbors doubts about his guardian, ‘the Carpenter,’ and begins to rebel by unleashing mysterious powers. As these abilities manifest, the family confronts both natural disasters and divine terrors, blurring the line between the earthly and the ethereal.
REVIEW: As someone who doesn’t identify as religious, I wasn’t personally offended by the idea of Nic Cage portraying a character tied to Jesus in a horror film. However, I’m well aware that such a concept is bound to stir up debate. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t trying to make a bold religious statement; it’s simply a family drama set over 2,000 years ago, with a sprinkle of magic and miracles. But does it succeed? Not quite.
The characters—The Carpenter, The Boy, The Mother, and The Stranger—remain unnamed throughout most of the film, a choice that feels like a cautious attempt to avoid direct religious association. While this approach might seem classy, it also feels like a missed opportunity to fully embrace the story’s potential. Despite this, there are moments of abstraction that allow viewers to interpret the narrative through their own lens. At its core, the film explores the ‘missing years’ of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus’ life in exile, offering a unique perspective on a well-known tale.
Nicolas Cage’s performance as The Carpenter is surprisingly subdued, and his modern cadence feels out of place in this ancient setting. While Cage’s star power undoubtedly draws attention to the project, his presence here feels mismatched. That said, there’s one scene where Cage unleashes his signature intensity, reminding us why he’s a fan favorite. Noah Jupe, as The Boy, delivers a compelling portrayal of a young man grappling with his identity and purpose, conveying depth with minimal dialogue. The standout, however, is Isla Johnston, whose nuanced yet menacing performance adds a layer of complexity to the film.
The film’s attempt to present Jesus’ story from a fresh angle is commendable, and it’s easy to see the appeal of such a project. However, the execution feels too restrained. The first hour drags, only picking up pace in the final 30 minutes. Writer/Director Lofty Nathan aims for a horror-tinged narrative, but the result falls flat compared to the darker moments of films like The Passion of the Christ. The vision of Hell, while visually striking, feels slightly off—perhaps due to the use of AI in its creation. If the entire film had matched the intensity of its final act, it might have left a more lasting impression.
Ultimately, The Carpenter’s Son has its moments of intrigue but feels stale overall. It straddles the line between religious sensitivity and horror entertainment, never fully committing to either. While it explores biblical themes, it fails to delve into anything substantial. Cage’s limited screen time and awkward delivery might earn the film a cult following for its unintentional humor, but this feels at odds with its serious tone.
The Carpenter’s Son arrives in theaters on November 14th, 2025, leaving audiences to decide whether it’s a daring reinterpretation or a wasted opportunity. But here’s the question: Can a film about such a revered figure ever strike the right balance between reverence and reinvention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this controversial take!
