The Carpenter’s Son: Your Guide to the Nicolas Cage Biblical Horror Film

A new film presenting a dark version of the early life of Jesus Christ has arrived, starring Nicolas Cage. “The Carpenter’s Son“ reimagines the familiar biblical story as a supernatural horror thriller, following a teenage Jesus as he discovers his mysterious powers. The movie offers a fresh and unsettling take on a well-known narrative, with a standout cast bringing the holy family and their struggles to life.

The Core Cast and Their Characters

The film features a small but focused cast, with three central performers taking on the roles of the holy family. The characters are not named directly in the film but are identified by their roles within the story.

Noah Jupe as “The Boy”

British actor Noah Jupe takes on the central role of “The Boy,” the character based on a young Jesus Christ. His performance captures the confusion and angst of a teenager grappling with extraordinary divine powers he doesn’t fully understand. The Boy is on a journey of metamorphosis, learning the importance of compassion and kindness after making mistakes. Jupe is known for his roles in films like A Quiet Place and Honey Boy.

Nicolas Cage as “The Carpenter”

Nicolas Cage plays the stern and anxious father, “The Carpenter,” the adoptive father of the Boy. His character is a man of deep faith, but his relationship with his son is strained and stressful. As the Boy begins to rebel and use his powers, the Carpenter is forced to reflect on his own spiritual beliefs. The Oscar-winning actor brings his distinctive intensity to the role of Joseph.

FKA Twigs as “The Mother”

The English singer and actor FKA Twigs portrays “The Mother,” a character based on Mary. She exhibits a quiet strength, providing a more loving and understanding counterbalance to the Carpenter’s sternness as their son navigates his dangerous awakening. FKA Twigs previously acted alongside Noah Jupe in the film Honey Boy.

The Story and Inspiration

“The Carpenter’s Son” tells the story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. Their son, known only as ‘the Boy,’ is driven to doubt his guardian, the Carpenter, and begins to rebel, revealing inherent powers. As he exercises these abilities, the family becomes the target of what is described as “horrors both natural and divine.”

The film is loosely inspired by the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal text from the second century that details unknown episodes from the childhood of Christ. This source material allows the film to explore a part of Jesus’s life not covered in the Bible, framing it through a dark and horrific lens. The director, Lotfy Nathan, explained the decision to use generic names for the characters, saying:

“That wasn’t to be coy or anything. I think it’s pretty obvious who people are in the movie. It made sense to me in trying to tell a story of this kind of obscure origin in a narrower scope with some anonymity, when Jesus would have just been a carpenter’s son.”

Supporting Characters and Filming Details

The film includes several key supporting actors who contribute to the eerie atmosphere. Souheila Yacoub plays Lilith, a neighbor who captures the Boy’s attention. Isla Johnston appears as a mysterious figure known as The Stranger, who influences the Boy and may not be as friendly as she seems.

Filming took place in Greece, with specific locations in Sfakia, Preveli, and Megara during August and September 2024. The production faced an unusual event when Nicolas Cage was reportedly attacked by a swarm of bees in one of the caves used as a filming location.

How the Movie Has Been Received

Released in the United States on November 14, 2025, the film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics. It holds a low score on review aggregation sites, with criticism aimed at its messy execution and uneven tone. One review called it “a bafflingly acted and messily made bore,” though some acknowledged its boldness in attempting a new take on such an ancient story. The movie is rated R for strong bloody violent content and brief nudity.

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