"Freaks" Is An Infectious Real World Superhero Film In An Oversaturated Superhero Genre

Chronicle, Fast Color, and Glass are some of the recent deviations from blockbuster superhero films focusing on the thought-provoking, real world implications of having superpowers. Freaks continues this superhero counter-programming - ironically at a time when blockbuster action flicks are being delayed - and does so with a solid premise, captivating script, and expertly chosen cast.

In Freaks, a father (Emile Hirsch) shelters his 6-year-old daughter Chloe (Lexi Kolker) from the outside world and teaches her how to pretend to be normal. But using special powers she hasn’t fully developed, Chloe begins to find ways to venture out without him knowing. As she learns the extent of her power, she begins attracting unfavorable attention to who they are, where they’re hiding out, and just how powerful “freaks” can be.

It’s a slow build as writer/directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein craft fragmented explanations of the world they’ve thrown viewers into. But strong performances from Hirsch and Kolker keep the mystery intriguing. And though the story builds to a finale that’s full of plot holes, there’s plenty of content along the way that’s worthy of interesting hypothetical discussions regarding real-world superheroes.

Freaks lends itself to a follow up that could be best presented in miniseries form; an opportunity that would plausibly answer many questions the movie leaves open ended. Which is less a criticism and more a testament to the enthralling world Lipovsky and Stein have established. This movie - as super-powered Chloe exclaims repeatedly - is in fact special.

Thomas Stoneham-JudgeMarch 15, 2020Freaks, emile hirsch, lexi kolkerComment