Joe is a 2013 American independent Southern Gothic crime drama film directed and co-produced by David Gordon Green, co-produced by Lisa Muskat, Derrick Tseng and Christopher Woodrow and written by Gary Hawkins, based on Larry Brown's 1991 novel of the same name.

It stars Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan, revolving around a tormented man who hires a 15-year-old boy and protects him from his abusive father.

It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Green's direction and the performances of Cage, Sheridan, and Gary Poulter.

A 15-year-old drifter named Gary asks Joe Ransom, the even-tempered tattooed chain-smoking boss of a Texan tree-poisoning crew, for a job, and impresses him with his industriousness.

Gary later goes to Joe's house to ask for his job back, swearing he'll make up for his father's behavior.

Willie confronts Joe at a bar and asks where Gary lives in order to seek revenge.

Joe tells the bartender to call the police before fleeing to a brothel but leaves after getting spooked by a guard dog.

After spending hours together and bonding, they find the dog and Joe gives Gary his lighter as a keepsake.

Gary reveals that Wade beat him up, stole his truck, and left with Dorothy, intent on pimping her out to Willie and his goon.

Rotten Tomatoes reports that 86% of critics gave the film a positive review based on 137 reviews with an average score of 7.3/10, with the site consensus: "Rich in atmosphere and anchored by a powerful performance from Nicolas Cage, Joe is a satisfying return to form for its star — as well as director David Gordon Green".

[9][10] Poulter, who played Wade in the film, was homeless, suffered from alcoholism and was already seriously ill. His only other acting credit was as a background extra in the TV series Thirtysomething.