Joseph movie review: Engaging thriller, haunting family drama

M Padmakumar’s Joseph revolves around the life of a retired police officer who is undergoing an emotional turmoil.

Joseph is still sought after by the cops to help resolve several cases. He is a sharp and keen observer. Give him a crime scene and he can even identify the culprit in a while.

Though his professional life has been successful, his personal life has been tragic.

The scenes depicting his family life has been very well framed. Coming home after solving a case, we get to see a lonely man haunted by memories of his daughter and wife.

Did his wife die, did she leave him because of his alcoholism or did she leave him for someone else? Scriptwriter Shahi Kabeer have succeeded in keeping the audience anxious.

As the movie progresses, the past and present are neatly juxtaposed and the audience get to realize that a scar in his youthful days led to the failure of his married life. Over the course of time, Joseph realizes that a case, which is related to his personal life, has to be solved.

Joseph is undoubtedly a welcome relief for an actor like Joju George. His acting skills, his body language and his salt and pepper appearance- everything seemed for be pitch perfect for the movie.

All other stars too justified their roles. Two newbie female leads have made it to the industry with this movie. They have justified the characters they portrayed, although dubbing flaws could be small bolt.

The scripting appears confused at times as the writer dabbles with the concept of a thriller mystery and a family drama.

But that rarely matters as the film has its focus on a much crucial subject -- a theme that has been taken only in a few movies like Apothecary. While Apothecary had a broader approach, Joseph has more precise way of delivering the message.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that M Padmakumar has used some amazing music and sound and camera angles to narrate the story.

Perfectly packing suspense and emotions, Joseph is an engaging thriller with a solid story line.