Freaks 2018 Movie Review

Objective Critique

An overprotective father just wants what is best for his daughter even if that means hiding her from the entire world. However, a person with her abilities can’t stay a secret forever.

Freaks is a small-scale film set in an alternate version of Earth where certain science fiction elements exist. And by science fiction I, of course, mean some people have superpowers. The movie doesn’t go into much detail regarding the powers such as where they came from, how they work, or why people with powers are persecuted. Instead, it focuses on the characters of the father and daughter and their relationship.

Freaks does an above average job at hinting at deeper themes regarding humanity and society. Sadly, it does a poor job at saying anything definitive about any of those themes. It is possible for an inquisitive person or group of friends or colleagues to derive philosophical conversations about the themes hinted at throughout the movie, so if that concept lights up your brain you should enjoy the film.

Functionally, all the actors give superb performances, even the child actors. They aren’t going to win any Oscars, but they do make you feel as if you’re watching real people going through real problems and experiences even though said experiences involve mind control and an evil government. Despite the presence of superpowers, this is not an effects heavy movie. The few effects employed are well-done and believable.

When it comes to lesser known films that are hiding in the sea of online streaming, Freaks is definitely one worth watching for movie lovers. It has little chance of delighting more casual viewers or people who prefer watching large spectacles and drama, and it is not to a high degree of film for people who watch movies as an art form. However, not every movie needs to be mind-blowing, fantastic, or artsy. Some movies, like Freaks, are just good enough to give viewers something to entertain themselves with for an hour and a half without making it feel like a waste of time.

Subjective Review

I have a soft spot for this movie. I found the plot engaging, the characters likable, and the story concise. The writers could have easily tacked on another 10 minutes of film involving the daughter and father arguing in the house by themselves, but they instead establish what needs to be established and move on to the more interesting parts of the story.

As with nearly all forms of superpowers in media, I found it frustrating that the characters don’t use their powers to their fullest potential or in inventive ways. However, my disappointment was offset by a twist on a trope I wish would show up in more superpower media; the people with powers realize they don’t need to hide and run away.

I was delighted to see a representation of people embracing being naturally better than normal instead of trying to conform to a lesser state. Not to get too philosophical about what defines “better”, but when one person can control your mind, I think it’s safe to say they really shouldn’t be taking orders from you.

If you’re a fan of watching smaller films with interesting concepts and solid acting, then I suggest you check Freaks out on Netflix. Although, by the time you see this review it’s possible Netflix cycled through their catalog again and removed it like they did with one of my favorite movies of the past decade.

As a side note, I like to think that Freaks takes place several decades in the future from the movie Brightburn. Really, the only thing that links the two films are an outbreak of homicidal children, but I still like to think they’re connected.