by Afra Nariman

The Integrity of Joseph Chambers (2022)

Director: Robert Machoian

Stars: Clayne Crawford, Jordana Brewster, Michael Raymond-James, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

REVIEW:

Watched at NBFF ’22

Conceptually promising, but unfortunately failed to stick the landing on multiple occasions. The film felt uneven at times and unnatural in its depiction of its natural setting. The sound design was particularly awkward (and at times excessive) throughout, which added to the feelings of inauthenticity in its presentation of a natural surrounding, and of the unevenness exhibited throughout the film.

The concept behind this film at the very least peaks some interest, but ultimately it doesn’t have much to say. It would have been better served being presented as a tightly structured short film, rather than a feature. I am curious what such a film would have looked like though, had it’s story and concepts been approached by a writer/director who would have embraced a more character-driven, even quirky interpretation of the film’s subject matter and protagonist — perhaps incorporating dark comedy. My biggest curiosity: Yorgos Lanthimos’s take on The Integrity of Joseph Chambers. 

MY RATING /5:

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