Cinematography:
Stirling BancroftComposer:
Tim WynnCast:
Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Lexy Kolker, Grace Park, Amanda Crew, Kwesi Ameyaw, Matty Finochio, Michelle Harrison, Aleks Paunovic, Aria Birch, RJ Fetherstonhaugh (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Kept locked inside the house by her father, 7-yearold Chloe lives in fear and fascination of the outside world, where Abnormals create a constant threat - or so she believes. When a mysterious stranger offers her a glimpse of what's really happening outside, Chloe soon finds that while the truth isn't so simple, the danger is very real. (Noble Entertainment Swe.)
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Reviews (8)
Freaks is most original take on Hollywood blockbuster motifs in the form of a small indie film, which at the same time keeps its distance and looks down on them with its wit. This film is the surprise of the year, as it was conceived to first raise questions and skillfully deceive, then surprise by revealing an original film world, and then emotionally engage. By playing with the viewer as fairly as possible – without a single purposeless scene included solely for effect – it conveys a bombastic experience with a deluge of fresh ideas. The young Lexy Kolker turns in an excellent performance. Don’t watch the trailers and don’t read the plot synopses! [Sitges FF]
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A film whose main strength is undoubtedly its script. Understand this as follows: you won't fully grasp the first half as a viewer; nothing makes sense, and you just stare in confusion. But trust that by the end, everything will be explained, creating a flawless puzzle. The film also benefits from solid performances; the little girl in a small role was outstanding, and even Bruce Dern, in a supporting role, didn't play second fiddle. It’s a shame the film isn’t more widely known because its unconventional idea truly deserves more recognition. The Canadians pleasantly surprised me, and I always welcome such indie films with open arms. It doesn’t try to be a Hollywood blockbuster but focuses on successful storytelling... and they nailed it. The lower budget is a drawback, as there are a few special effects scenes where the lack of funds is evident. But I can overlook this flaw in Freaks. I give it 76%.
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At least once a year, there is a film that no one expects much from, but in the end it is a pleasant surprise and Freaks delivers a lot of value for money. A beautifully crafted mystery film that is strange, unsettling, and secretive from the start, but also suspenseful and entertaining. The film raises some interesting questions and gradually answers them with unexpected and imaginative twists as it progresses. The performance by the young Lexy Kolker is perhaps the best by a child actor since Jacob Tremblay in Room, and the finale is unexpectedly quite action-packed and bloody. If the film had, say, a $20 million higher bigger budget, we'd all be sitting in the cinema right now applauding, but maybe we'll see that in a possible sequel! The less you know, the better for you. Best mystery flick of the year. 8.5/10.
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I’ve often mentioned in my reviews that I’m not particularly fond of children in film, but I was simply floored by the performance of the nine-year-old Lexa Kolker. Many a seasoned actor could learn a few things from her (though I’m not sure if it would be of any help to Ben Affleck or Jennifer Lawrence). I found the film entertaining from start to finish. While X-Men seem to be getting old, the sight of mutants here was captivating.
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Freaks slightly fools the viewer – in the first half, it lets them wonder what exactly is happening in the film, overwhelming them with a bunch of confusing motifs and weird characters (basically every single character feels disturbing and puzzling). In the second half, however, the film introduces a surprising outcome that gives the previous plot meaning and plays nicely with the viewer’s emotions. Bruce Dern as a cynical crude-ish ice-cream man is incredibly cool and his interaction with Emil Hirsch fills the film with witty lines and lots of fun, especially towards the end. And I believe we will be hearing a lot more about little Lexy Kolker. [Sitges 2018]
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