Versatile actor Nicolas Cage takes on the lead role in the forthcoming religious horror film, The Carpenter’s Son, essentially a chilling take on the story of Jesus. For fans of Cage, known for his performances in movies such as Pig and Face/Off, this promises to be an intriguing and unconventional project. The movie’s premise is sparking debate even before its official debut.
Lotfy Nathan, serving as both writer and director, draws inspiration for this Jesus-themed horror story from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical text focusing on Jesus’ boyhood years, specifically ages 5 to 12. This lesser-known gospel depicts a young Jesus discovering and experimenting with his supernatural powers, sometimes leading to unfortunate consequences. The account portrays him as a mischievous and exceptionally powerful youth, causing harm to others, according to this disputed source.
Here’s the official plot summary of The Carpenter’s Son, providing greater insight into Nathan’s adaptation of the gospel:
The Carpenter’s Son unveils a somber narrative of a family in hiding within Roman-era Egypt. Their son, referred to as ‘the Boy,’ is confronted with doubt by another enigmatic child, leading him to rebel against his guardian, the Carpenter. This rebellion uncovers latent abilities and a destiny beyond his comprehension. As the Boy wields his power, he and his family become targets of both earthly and divine horrors.
Cage portrays the Carpenter (also known as Joseph), alongside FKA Twigs (the 2024 remake of The Crow) as the Mother, and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as the Boy. The initial trailer for The Carpenter’s Son offers a glimpse of Cage’s performance, which is compelling enough to generate anticipation for Nathan’s unique take on a biblical horror film. However, early reactions suggest that not everyone shares this enthusiasm, with some expressing concerns on Reddit and within various blogs.
It remains to be seen whether the controversy surrounding the film will escalate beyond initial online chatter. Those who find themselves averse to The Carpenter’s Son can always explore other entries in Cage’s filmography, such as the 2014 Christian apocalyptic thriller, Left Behind.