Breaking News: Critical Reactions Pour In for “The Carpenter’s Son” Teaser

Venice, Italy - August 28, 2025

Magnolia Pictures’ recently unveiled teaser for the much-anticipated biblical horror The Carpenter’s Son has ignited fervent discussion among critics and genre aficionados alike. Directed and penned by Lotfy Nathan, the film reimagines the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, charting the tumultuous childhood of Jesus through a chilling, supernatural lens.

Star-studded Cast Draws Spotlight Oscar winner Nicolas Cage headlines as the titular “Carpenter,” with Noah Jupe portraying “the Boy,” a child who rebels against his guardian upon discovering latent powers. Singer-actress FKA twigs stars as “Mother,” while Isla Johnston and Souheila Yacoub round out the principal ensemble.

Early Reactions Highlight Thematic Depth

  • Screen Rant calls the teaser “a chilling glimpse at a conflict that pits paternal authority against burgeoning divine power,” praising Cage’s “haunting yet restrained performance” and Jupe’s “earnest vulnerability”.
  • Gizmodo enthuses that the short trailer “oozes unease with its stark visuals and ominous sound design,” noting that even in under 30 seconds, the clash between natural and divine horrors is palpably unsettling.

Visual Style and Narrative Promise The teaser’s sun-lit stills of Roman Egypt give way to flickers of unnatural phenomena: burning leaves, swarms of flies, and fleeting shots of cavernous interiors. Nathan’s direction, inspired by the apocryphal text, suggests a narrative that fuses intimate family drama with cosmic dread.

Release and Festival Buzz While The Carpenter’s Son is slated for a fall 2025 theatrical release, industry insiders speculate on a possible world premiere at the ongoing 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Although not yet listed on the official lineup, screenings of high-profile projects typically follow the festival’s public ticket release schedule, which opened earlier this week.

As anticipation builds, further clips and stills are expected in the coming weeks. With its provocative premise and powerhouse cast, The Carpenter’s Son is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about cinematic events of the year.