FilmSnobReviews

Title: The Integrity of Joseph Chambers
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Robert Machoian
Starring: Clayne Crawford, Jordana Brewster, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

What It Is: Joseph (Crawford) is a family man…and a city boy. Now he lives in a more rural area and he sorta wants to prove his manhood. His wife Tess (Brewster) keeps trying to tell him he doesn’t HAVE to go. He, being a man that feels somewhat insecure in his masculinity decides he has to go. When something tragic happens while he’s out there he’ll have to make a tough decision. One that’ll change his life forever.

What We Think: Clayne Crawford is, as usual super impressive here. He gives a great performance and really this whole film is centered on how much we like and relate to his character. Through his acting Crawford really makes us like him and that’s what makes the plot of the film all the more sinister in nature. Overall this is a very private piece, one that audience can easily get sucked into or out of because Machoian is his normally deliberate self. This leads to a very slow pacing nonetheless I think savvy audiences will love the simple, quiet story and the explosive third act. There’s always a western feel to Machoians work. It’s here too and once again brings a unique visual styling to the entire affair.

Our Grade: C+, It works in its current state but not to the extent that it is anything spectacular. Machoian has proven a master of the macro, idealistically his stories aren’t super complex…that seems to work. Nonetheless Chloe Zhao seems to have the market he’s in cornered. Still it’ll be exciting to see whatever he does next as he’s made three thrilling feature in a row that have been joys to watch.