Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
FRESH is a delicious Horror film that’s perfectly twisted, fun and well — fresh.
Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is sick of online dating. It’s only led to forgettable, sometimes cringey results. So when she runs into the seemingly enchanting Steve (Sebastian Stan), she takes a chance and gives him her number. What she soon finds out is that behind Steve’s charming grin lies a surprising appetite.
Screenwriter Lauryn Kahn has written a knockout Horror about the risks women face in today’s dating world. Imagine the worst thing that could happen…Kahn takes it to the next level. In doing so, she’s also created a film about the commodification of women’s bodies. The entire concept is dark, however, she brilliantly infuses witty Comedy through dialogue and situations. Thus, allowing the audience moments of levity while swallowing down its feminist message.
Director Mimi Cave builds on this Dark Comedy by adding textual layers and killer nostalgia. Cave and Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski work together to bring close-up shots that thrust the audience into Noa‘s claustrophobia. Further, when it gets to its intoxicating late Second and Third Acts, the Cinematography dazzles to its zealous finish.
At the forefront are the magnetic performances from Edgar-Jones and Stan. They share a strong rapport and are radiant together. Edgar-Jones is a force having to balance between desire, terror and survival. Later in the second-half, Noa begins putting on a performance of her own. Therefore, allowing the talented Edgar-Jones to play a double act, which she excels at. And Stan uses his natural charisma to create a terrifying psychopath hidden within a charming exterior. He is truly great at playing bad.
FRESH streams now only on Disney+.
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