Netflix Psychological Thriller Film-Have you ever watched the movie “Freaks” on Netflix? You might have even ignored it because the title and thumbnail might not sound that appealing. But believe me, you are missing out on a great, heart-pounding sci-fi thriller that is one of the best movies on Netflix.
This unseen dystopian film is like someone took the story of “X-Men”, removed the costumes of the characters, increased the horror and turned it into a terrific indie drama. The thing is that all these things work so well together. I was completely hooked on this movie after watching it for the first time. Sadly, it is going to be removed from US Netflix on July 16, but Indian viewers can still watch it.
I am not saying that it is the best thriller, because it has a very low budget and the visuals are also different. But if you like sci-fi movies that have emotional depth, supernatural elements, and a story that makes you think (and not tell everything straight), then you should definitely watch this movie.
Story of “Freaks”: Exploring a Mysterious World
The story of “Freaks” revolves around a little girl named Chloe (Lexy Kolker) who is kept hidden from the world in an old mansion by her paranoid and overprotective father (Emile Hirsch). Her father warns her never to go outside and says that the world is very dangerous and people will want to harm her.
Despite her father’s strict rules and scary stories, Chloe’s curiosity about the world outside the house grows. This curiosity increases further when a mysterious ice cream seller appears in the neighborhood.
As Chloe begins to question the world outside her door, it becomes clear that things are not as simple as her father made them out to be. A series of strange events begin to occur, leading her to a reality that is far more complex, mysterious, and dangerous than she could have imagined.
Shocking twists and strong performances
If you have seen the trailer for “Freaks” or read a cursory look at its story, you would have assumed that it would have many strange twists and unexpected moments, and you are not wrong.”Freaks” turned out to be a chaotic and thrilling surprise that shattered almost every expectation I had. The film is based on its mystery, so I would recommend you watch it without any information if you can. Still, I am going to mention some very minor plot points here so that you can get the context.
Lexy Kolker brings to life the role of Chloe, who is imprisoned in a dark, dusty house by her father Henry. Her father insists that the outside world is too dangerous. Right from the beginning, there are flashes of the movie “Room” as we see Chloe trapped in her strange and closed-off life, while she is warned that stepping outside could put both of them in grave danger. Yet, when an ice cream cart driven by a mysterious man (Bruce Dern) stops right outside their door, the temptation to go outside becomes nearly impossible to ignore.
The opening half of the film is full of tension. It’s clear within minutes that Kolker is a wonderful young talent, as she is completely believable and emotionally powerful in every scene.
Her mostly improvised performance feels very real and she matches perfectly with Hirsch, who brings depth to the role of his overprotective father. One moment Henry seems like a loving father and the next he locks his daughter in a closet “for her safety.” But that’s not all the story is about.
Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein don’t give you immediate answers. Instead, they challenge you to figure out the truth alongside the characters. The outcome is completely worth it thanks to their brilliant storytelling and the unique, complex world they’ve created.
Is “Freaks” worth watching?
When it comes to the believability of “Freaks,” it’s clear that this film takes place in a different reality. The moment a story introduces paranormal elements, it naturally forces more investigation than something based in the real world. And because it relies so heavily on mystery, you’re trained from the start to analyze everything, looking for clues.
Still, “Freaks” seems to be one of those movies that feels better on a second viewing, where moments that seem confusing or far-fetched the first time around can make more sense once you catch the details you missed.
Don’t miss this great movie on Netflix!
Don’t expect explosions, big set pieces, or fast action when watching “Freaks.” Instead, you’ll find something that’s much more personal and well-crafted. The story mostly unfolds behind closed doors, drawing you into a claustrophobic world that feels incredibly engaging.
While the minimal sets and rare outdoor scenes indicate a very low budget, the filmmakers smartly channel their energy into superb sound design and eye-catching, well-executed visual effects.Just keep in mind that this isn’t a blockbuster. It’s a slow-burn experience that rewards your attention with tension, suspense, and some truly shocking twists.