What Josiah Saw

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 4, 2022

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Robert Patrick as Josiah Graham
• Nick Stahl as Eli Graham
• Scott Haze as Thomas Graham
• Kelli Garner as Mary Milner
• Tony Hale as Boone
• Jake Weber as Ross Milner

Director
Vincent Grashaw

Other Movies Director is Known For

• And Then I Go (2017)
• Coldwater (2013)

Producer
Ran Namerode, Michael C. Martin, Joe Pehler, Vincent Grashaw

Writer
Robert Alan Dilts

Budget
$2 million (estimated)

Production Company
Randomix Productions, The Ensemble

Running Time
120 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Disturbing imagery
• Strong language
• Scenes of violence
• Themes of abuse and trauma

Movie Story
“What Josiah Saw” is a deeply unsettling horror-thriller that explores the dark and twisted secrets of a fractured family. The film is set in a dilapidated farmhouse on the outskirts of a small town, where Josiah Graham (Robert Patrick) lives a reclusive life with his mentally troubled son, Thomas (Scott Haze). The story begins with the return of Josiah’s other two children, Eli (Nick Stahl) and Mary (Kelli Garner), who are drawn back to their childhood home by a disturbing prophecy and the promise of a family inheritance.

The Graham family is haunted by the trauma of their past, particularly the mysterious death of Josiah’s wife, which hangs over them like a dark cloud. Each sibling has tried to move on in their own way, but the scars of their upbringing run deep. Eli, a drifter with a criminal past, and Mary, a woman struggling with her own demons, are forced to confront the horrors they thought they had left behind.

As the family reunites, Josiah reveals that he has been experiencing visions that suggest their mother’s spirit is trapped in purgatory, unable to rest because of the sins committed by the family. These visions compel the family to undertake a series of rituals in an attempt to redeem themselves and set their mother’s spirit free. However, as they delve deeper into these rituals, the line between reality and madness blurs, revealing horrifying truths about their past.

“What Josiah Saw” is a film that builds its horror not just through physical scares, but through psychological tension and the exploration of deep-seated guilt and repressed memories. The farmhouse itself becomes a character in the story, with its creaking floors and shadowy corners adding to the oppressive atmosphere. The film is a slow burn, meticulously unraveling the Graham family’s dark history until it reaches a shocking and terrifying conclusion.

Special Effects
The special effects in “What Josiah Saw” are used sparingly, but effectively. The film relies more on atmosphere and tension to create its horror, using practical effects to enhance the eerie and decaying environment of the Graham farmhouse. The use of lighting and shadow plays a significant role in creating a sense of dread, while the occasional bursts of disturbing imagery serve to unsettle the audience.

Box Office Performance
“What Josiah Saw” was primarily released on streaming platforms and in limited theaters, making its box office performance modest. However, it gained a following among horror enthusiasts and critics who praised its psychological depth and eerie atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• Oklahoma, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The past has a way of catching up with you, no matter how far you run.” – Josiah Graham
• “Some things are better left buried.” – Eli Graham

Behind-the-Scenes

• Robert Patrick, known for his roles in action films, delivers a chilling performance as Josiah, bringing a menacing presence to the character that adds to the film’s tension.
• Director Vincent Grashaw collaborated closely with writer Robert Alan Dilts to ensure that the film’s psychological horror elements were as impactful as possible, focusing on character development and atmospheric tension.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“What Josiah Saw” is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a slow-burning thriller that delves into the psychological horrors of a family’s past, offering both physical scares and deep emotional resonance. While it may not be for everyone due to its disturbing themes and methodical pacing, fans of psychological horror will find it a gripping and thought-provoking experience.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10