Nadpis: Fresh: A Taste of Audacious Storytelling and Wild Entertainment
Modern dating can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and the same holds true for the thrilling film Fresh. Directed by Mimi Cave and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, this genre-bending tale takes viewers on a ride they won’t soon forget. As Noa and Steve’s relationship takes an unexpected turn, the film delves into unimaginable horror and knowing comedy with an audacious approach.
An Unconventional First Date
Fresh introduces us to Noa (Edgar-Jones), who’s fed up with the dating scene’s disappointments. However, everything changes when she meets the charming Steve (Stan) in a supermarket. Despite her friend Mollie’s (Jojo T. Gibbs) warning, Noa decides to venture on a weekend getaway with Steve. But as the trip unfolds, she discovers Steve’s unusual and unsettling appetites.
A Rug-Pull for the Ages
The film unfolds in two distinct halves, each captivating in its own right. The first act skillfully establishes the connection between Noa and Steve, showcasing their natural chemistry and improvised banter. However, like a page-turner thriller, Fresh throws a curveball in the form of a shocking reveal, catapulting the story into gory, pulpy territory.
Outstanding Performances and Directorial Brilliance
Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones deliver standout performances that fuel the film’s duality. Stan’s portrayal of the smooth-talking surgeon exhibits an unhinged energy, while Edgar-Jones authentically conveys Noa’s reaction to the extraordinary circumstances, making her character more than just a typical scream queen.
Director Mimi Cave impresses with her debut feature, skillfully straddling between genres and maintaining a unique tone. Her use of operatic sequences, blunt cuts, and scoreless action enhances the film’s tension, while the camera work cleverly reflects Noa’s disorientation. The carefully crafted visuals, including close-ups of gnashing teeth and artfully edited meat montages, effectively evoke feelings of sticky nausea.
A Few Missteps
While Fresh is a bold and entertaining journey, it does have some minor flaws. A particular device involving Noa talking through a wall feels clunky and unnecessary, and the character of Mollie could have been more fleshed out. Some on-the-nose moments regarding dating cynicism and female objectification can briefly pull the viewer out of the heightened absurdity.
A Violent Delight
Despite these minor imperfections, Fresh remains a visually captivating and delightfully deranged experience. Its audacious storytelling, full-throated performances, and accomplished direction elevate it into a memorable cinematic concoction. Mimi Cave and writer Lauryn Kahn serve up a treat for fans of thrillers and dark comedies alike, offering a sledgehammer of entertainment that will leave viewers breathless and craving for more.
