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!