FREAKS

Strangely enough, not many people have heard of the film Freaks, much less seen it. It is an American-Canadian sci-fi thriller that came out in 2018, and is, surprisingly, one of the best films I have seen this year (2020).

As it’s already two years old, I might reveal some spoilers. However, because there are still so many out there who are yet to see it, I will hold back enough. Trust me, this sort of film works best not knowing too much before watching. The revelations along the way add to the brilliant effect of the delivery.

Henry Lewis (Emile Hirsch) has shielded his 7 year old daughter, Chloe (Lexy Kolker) from the outside world for practically all of her life. He has her locked up in the house and forbids her to ever step out because there are “bad men” out there who could hurt them.

Besides the viewers’ curiosity of what could be truly out there, is the perplexity of the state of disrepair of the house and Henry’s constant tiredness. More puzzling is that he seems to be making Chloe memorise lines, prepping her on certain ways of the world and how to behave in the event that she might have to go and live with the neighbours (The Reeds) across the street whom Chloe hasn’t even met yet and isn’t allowed to communicate with. How do they get certain groceries and necessities? Well, Henry has specific days that he makes those runs. There are always strict instructions in place - Chloe must keep the door under its many locks once he is out, was not to look outside the window, etc. More shocking is the manner in which he returns – all worked up, agitated, and even, wounded.

Various abnormal occurrences keep your eyes glued to the screen as they also rouse intelligent Chloe’s inquisitive mind i.e. Henry often bleeding from his eyes, her strange visions of a captive woman who is supposedly Mary (Amanda Crew), the dead mother she never met or knew, in her closet, and there is the elderly ice cream truck driver (Bruce Dern) outside their house who is constantly trying to lure her out of the house whenever her dad isn’t home.

When Chloe too starts to experience bleeding from her eyes, she hides it from Henry. She begins to wonder what the outside world was hiding. Ironic, as she is the one being hidden from the world. Consequently, we are not surprised when she begins to disobey her father. This is when the film starts to get really interesting!!

Oh, did I forget to mention that there’s a cold and determined ADF (Abnormal Defence Force) agent Cecelia Ray (Grace Park) out there looking for abnormal people?

I love the way the story builds and I was blown away by the really amazing special effects that blended with the equally unique and thrilling storyline. There were a number of goose bump moments for me! I always appreciate films that are well equipped to keep you curious, captured, engaged, then thrill, amaze, and finally leave you thoroughly satisfied and thinking about it long after you have watched it. I believe Freak is such an understated awesome film. It’s one of those films that didn’t have to try too hard but was still way more than expected.

Lexy Kolker is one talented young actress. She totally pulled it off. She was amazing. What can I say about Emile Hirsch? His character was so vital to this film… his performance so appealing and moving that it was successful in working your emotions. Veteran actor Bruce Dern also gave a perfect performance, unsurprisingly.

Of course, the directing was superb. Well written screenplay and directing by Zack Lipovksy and Adam Stein. Those two tend to work together and I will be looking out for more of their works.

Rating? 10 out of 10. I found no flaw in this film, but that’s just me.

(Currently available on Netflix for those interested in watching it)

Trailer Below

Director and Screenplay Writer:

Zack Lipovksy - (Previous works: Leprechaun: Origins and Tasmanian Devils)

Adam Stein (Previous works: Disney action, Kim Possible and American Sci-Fi, Mech-X4)

Emile Hirsch as Henry Lewis (Previous works: The Girl Next Door and Into the Wild)

Bruce Dern as Alan (Previous works: Django Unchained, Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)

Grace Park as Cecelia Ray (Previous works: The Immortal, LA Law: The Movie, Battlestar Galactica)

Amanda Crew as Mary Lewis (Previous works: Final Destination 3, The Age of Adaline)

Lexy Kolker as Chloe Lewis (Previous works: The Little Mermaid, TV series Shooter)