Clayne Crawford is no stranger to a brooding, dramatic character – and he puts his arsenal of skills to good use in The Integrity of Joseph Chambers; a dramatic psychological thriller about a family man losing his grip on reality. It’s dark, it’s unsettling, and incidentally it’s one of the best arguments for proper gun training that I’ve ever seen. 

 

Crawford stars as the titular character, Joe, who sets out on an ill-advised hunting trip for which he is incredibly unprepared (much to the chagrin of his wife Tess, played by Jordana Brewster.) Unsurprisingly, this trip goes badly… REALLY badly, and Joe is faced with a decision that will impact him and his family for the rest of their lives. 

 

Crawford’s acting is simply immaculate, and I firmly believe his performance should be shown to aspiring actors everywhere. Aided heavily by an agitating soundtrack, the film makes an absolute artform out of discontent. The third act reaches a point of unnerving that rivals anything I’ve experienced before, while still managing to flesh out a satisfying albeit heartbreaking conclusion.

 

Bottom line: It’s a masterful movie, and it’s one I’m fine never watching again.