Joshua (2006)
A slow-burn indie horror about buried secrets, fractured families, and the evil that waits when you go back home.
Joshua - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Travis Betz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 2006 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Drexel Box Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Joshua - Plot
Kelby Unger is a young man from a dysfunctional family that lives with his girlfriend Amelia Gates and has sleeping problems with dreadful nightmares. When he proposes Amelia, he coincidently receives a phone call from the warden of the prison of his hometown telling that his father had just died from heart attack. He decides to return to Bisbee for the funeral and Amelia goes with him. Kelby and Amelia lodge at his mother's house and he meets his slut sister Trish, his former friends James Lilly and the policeman Wally and his unknown uncle Tom. When Wally has a nervous breakdown with the name of Joshua, Kelby is haunted by the evil past in Bisbee.
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Joshua - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Travis Betz
Main Cast
- Jim Betz
- Jacob Casper
- Jesse Casper
- John Casper
- John Coffman
- Aaron Gaffey
- Rosalie Geller-Byrne
- John Gray
- Alexa Havins
- Brianna Hochstedler
Writers
- Travis Betz
Producers
- Jessica Petelle
- Jeremiah Jordan
- Ward Roberts
Joshua - FAQs
What is Joshua (2006) about?
Joshua follows Kelby Unger, a young man plagued by nightmares, who returns to his hometown of Bisbee after his estranged father dies in prison. Reuniting with old friends and family, he slowly uncovers a dark, evil secret tied to a mysterious figure named Joshua that has haunted the town for years.
Who directed Joshua (2006)?
Joshua was written and directed by Travis Betz, an independent filmmaker known for his work in low-budget horror. The film was produced under Drexel Box Productions and stands as one of Betz's early feature-length projects, showcasing his distinct approach to atmospheric, character-driven horror storytelling.
Who are the main actors in Joshua?
The cast includes Christy Jackson as Amelia Gates, Alexa Havins as Trish Unger, Aaron Gaffey as James Lilly, Jeremiah Jordan as Wally, John Coffman as Uncle Tom, and Rosalie Geller-Byrne as Mrs. Unger. Jim Betz, Jacob Casper, Jesse Casper, and John Gray also appear in key roles.
Who is the mysterious Joshua in the film?
Joshua is a shadowy, menacing figure from Kelby's past in Bisbee whose very name triggers a violent breakdown in the local policeman Wally. The film gradually peels back the layers of dread surrounding Joshua, revealing a deeply unsettling connection to Kelby's dysfunctional family history and the town's dark secrets.
What is the age rating for Joshua (2006)?
Joshua is rated R in the United States. This rating reflects the film's mature horror content, including disturbing themes, nightmarish sequences, and adult situations. It is not recommended for younger audiences, and viewer discretion is advised for those sensitive to psychological horror and dark family dynamics.
How long is Joshua (2006)?
Joshua has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. The film uses that relatively compact running time effectively, building a slow-burn atmosphere of dread as Kelby's return to Bisbee gradually exposes the terrifying truth lurking beneath the surface of his troubled past.
Is Joshua (2006) based on a true story?
Joshua is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by director Travis Betz. The film draws on familiar horror themes — dysfunctional families, repressed trauma, and small-town secrets — to craft a fictional narrative that feels grounded and psychologically believable despite its supernatural undertones.
What movies are similar to Joshua (2006)?
If Joshua appeals to you, you might enjoy The Others (2001), The Gift (2000), End of Days (1999), and A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) for their blend of dread and dark secrets. More recent picks include Cobweb (2023), Presence (2025), and Never Let Go (2024).
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