FREAKS – “Satisfies as a small sci-fi thriller with big concepts”

freaks1

RATING

DIRECTOR

Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein

STARRING

  • Lexy Kolker as Chloe
  • Emile Hirsch as Dad
  • Bruce Dern as Mr. Snowcone
  • Amanda Crew as Mary
  • Grace Park as Agent Ray
  • Aleks Paunovic as Robert Kraigen
  • Michelle Harrison as Nancy Reed
  • Ava Telek as Harper Reed

SYNOPSIS

Kept locked inside the house by her father, 7-year-old Chloe lives in fear and fascination of the outside world. It's a place where Abnormals are a constant threat - or so she believes. But when a mysterious stranger offers her a glimpse of what's really happening, Chloe soon learns that the truth isn't so simple - but the danger is very real.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Lipovsky and Stein's Freaks ultimately satisfies as a small sci-fi thriller with big concepts. Yep, while the plot of this movie seems ripe for some big budget blockbuster, it surprisingly works just as well in this smaller independent genre film. That’s not to say the special effects here are perfect, as surely some improvements in the way of CGI would have gone a long way. Luckily however, the filmmakers smartly go with the “less is more” approach and make up for any production shortcomings with unique filming and editing tactics. In fact, the panic and paranoid tone of it all is pitch perfect, as are a handful of performances. While Bruce Dern and Emile Hirsh have no issues showing off their seasoned acting chops, it’s 7 year old Lexy Kolker who really impresses with a performance that runs all the gamut of emotions. Did I mention she’s 7?! The plot also makes for an interesting set of circumstances, doing a good job of keeping you guessing throughout. Admittedly though, the finale does start to feel fairly familiar and is a wee bit of a let down. Regardless, there is no denying that the majority of Freaks is an excellently executed slice of sci-fi cinema. So yeah, go on and get your freak on!

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