Fresh (2022)

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/fresh-spoiler-free-review-sundance-2022

"FRESH is an unforgettably shocking start to another Sundance Film Festival, holding all of the characteristics to end up as one of the absolute favorites.

Mimi Cave delivers an extraordinarily captivating, assertive directorial debut, taking Lauryn Kahn's original, gruesome screenplay to the next level. Sebastian Stan demonstrates his ludicrous range, while Daisy Edgar-Jones gives a breakthrough performance that may warrant a couple of awards by the end of the festival.

With an extremely engaging yet too quick first act, the viewers are immediately grabbed by the endearing love story that slowly builds up to a brutally impactful revelation, leading the movie into a rabbit hole of (in)tense, suspenseful, surprising developments.

The last twenty minutes are the definition of insanity."

Rating: A-

<em>'Fresh'</em> is very good - strong performances and perfectly chosen music are the main reasons for that.

I wouldn't say it's perfect, just because I don't think it nails the split between humour and seriousness but apart from that it's a terrifically made film. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan give excellent showings, while the music throughout is top notch. It's nicely paced and has an interesting story. Definitely one I'd recommend.

Fun! The performances from Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones are probably the strongest things here. Pretty solid body horror, but something in me wishes it was a bit more grimy in sections. Some gutsy stylistic decisions here in the cinematography and direction that I think really pay off and help cultivate a more immersive atmosphere. Adored the opening credits and the soundtrack too!

Fresh (2022) is an interesting mix of horror and dark humor, taking a different approach to the usual thriller setup. The plot starts off engaging, following a modern dating experience that quickly spirals into something unexpected. While the premise isn’t exactly new, the way it unfolds keeps things unsettling enough to hold attention. It does lose some of its sharpness as it goes on, leaning a little too much on familiar horror tropes, but it still manages to keep things entertaining. The writing is decent, though some character decisions feel out of place, making certain moments less believable than they should be.

The directing is solid, with a good balance of tension and style. There’s an interesting use of close-up shots that add to the unease without feeling forced. The cinematography stands out, using lighting and framing to create an eerie atmosphere that matches the film's tone. The sound design and score do their job well, adding to the creep factor without being overbearing. It’s not the kind of movie where the music steals the show, but it complements the visuals nicely.

Acting-wise, Daisy Edgar-Jones carries the film effortlessly, making her character feel natural and relatable even when the script stumbles. Sebastian Stan brings a fun and unsettling energy to his role, making the dynamic between the two leads work well. Some of the supporting cast feel a bit underdeveloped, but the main performances keep things engaging. Overall, Fresh is an entertaining watch that delivers just enough tension and style to stand out. And while the story may not be entirely original, at least some parts of it are very well done… just not overcooked.