FREAKS: An Ambitious & Absorbing Genre Mix

Freaks, a science-fiction excursion by writing/directing team Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stern is a feature film that doesn’t resign itself to one genre; there’s a variety here that shifts a few times throughout the film, with the characters and their relationships being the main focus. Oh, and what a great variety of characters there are, all tied in together by a binding power and yet torn apart by circumstance. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of Freaks, the creativity, and the overall sharp writing that makes for a startlingly exhilarating ride.

With a consistent influx of superhero films, reboots and sequels, it’s welcoming to have a slice of weird accompanied by the comfort of a well-made feature.

Seclusion & Secrets

Right from the beginning we know Chloe (Lexy Kolker) isn’t normal. She wants to be, and she practices her lies with her restrictive father (Emile Hirsch). She isn’t allowed outside, the windows are all boarded up, and he’s very strict about the fact that she is in immense danger. He says people are trying to kill them, and everything he does to protect her. Or is it? The movie starts with this tense, psychological premise eluding to something supernatural, without completely diving in…yet. A smart choice.

As a young girl it’s nearly impossible to stave off her curiosity. Who wouldn’t want to go outside when they are told they can’t? As a child, especially, your imagination is raring, and you want to rebel. No matter what’s real, it’s clear that her father believes it and he tries his best to instill the severity onto her. The more she lacks, the more she wants, and with her abilities (which slowly are revealed) it isn’t hard to keep the caged bird quiet and contained.

Chloe also really just wants a mom, believing hers to be dead. She often sees people that aren’t there (or are they?) and is able to communicate with others outside of the house. She’s clearly very emotionally scarred and seeking companionship and the freedom to be a regular kid. So, when Mr. Snowcone (Bruce Dern) shows up, she’s instantly curious. Can she trust him? Not only is this someone new, but he introduces her to the world, a place she’s wholly unexperienced in.

These questions are all ones that are answered with time and patience, focusing more on the characters and atmosphere than effects. This takes Chloe on a journey that touches on self-discovery, tolerance, and an emergence into a world she doesn’t know. We follow her on this trek, unsure ourselves with each new piece of the puzzle found, but equally captivated.

There’s a smaller scale here that really benefits Freak’s vision. We don’t need flashy effects, over the top exposition, or large scopes to cover the science fiction element of the story. What’s really apparent, right from the very beginning, is how intimate this is with the consideration of this family’s very unique circumstances. The less you know going into it, the better, so I’ll just say- it takes a little while to work out everyone’s motives.

A Similar Story But With New Tricks

Yes, there are science fiction elements prominent to the story. They live among us, as a sign says, and these “freaks” and their history isn’t entirely explored. What we do know is that they bleed from the eyes, have powers (that vary) and that those are passed down to their children, growing in propensity with each generation.

Freaks is thriving with originality, a tough nab in the world of creative sci-fi, but it does it. There’s a lot of powerful elements of Freaks that makes it surpass any one given genre. Since this is such a character driven story it’s incredibly important to find the perfect child at the forefront. They do that. Lexy Kolker is able to exude a confidence well past her years and in one scene be scared and innocent and in the next – terrifying. She’s truly the star of the film, commanding every sequence she’s in.

Emile Hirsh, who I’ve always thought was a bit underrated, is also great here. In the beginning we really don’t know if he is looking out for her best interests or not. He’s very paranoid, obviously powerful, and may potentially be causing more harm than good. He maintains the unnerved father persona, but doesn’t relent on the heart that makes their relationship so enthralling.

Then we have the legend Bruce Dern. He’s exceptional as Mr. Snowcone. What are his intentions? Can Chloe trust anyone at this point? His very introduction is every parent’s nightmare. A man tricking a kid into his ice cream truck with the promise of dessert and exploration. Dern and Kolker are amazing together, an interesting balance of personalities and a generational gap. Amanda Crew plays Chloe’s mother, and as the story unfurls it’s clear that she’s still alive, and that this group will need to band together to save her.

I could squabble on some of the finer points not determined in the writing, with the occasional plot holes brimming at times, but the lack of over-exposition isn’t a bad thing. I’d like to know more about this world and these people, and there could have been more described, but it doesn’t impact the story in a way that deters it from being entertaining and original. In fact, my desire to learn more just further concludes that this is a story worth knowing. There’s as much here about familial dynamics, than there is about powers and world-building. The combination makes for a winning feature.

Conclusion: Freaks

Yes, it’s about people with abilities, but it is the people that make Freaks stand out. Writing/directing team Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stern do a terrific job, utilizing an intriguing idea and melding it with spot on casting. There is some exquisite cinematography and what they do use for effects are smoothly incorporated. It’s a paranoid little picture, using its influences wisely while manufacturing something distinctive: one of the best Sci-fi’s of the year.

What did you think? How do you compare the film to others of similar genres? Let us know in the comments below!

For our interview with Bruce Dern click here. For our interview with Emile Hirsch click here.

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