Fresh Review

Directed By: Mimi Cave
Written By: Lauryn Kahn
Runtime: 114 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated

Daisy Edgar-Jones – Noa
Sebastian Stan – Steve
Jonica T. Gibbs – Millie
Charlotte Le Bon – Ann
Dayo Okeniyi – Paul
Andrea Bang – Penny
Brett Dier – Chad

The Searchlight Pictures release, Fresh, is a genuine surprise. The film recently appeared at Sundance and arrives on Hulu on Friday, March 4. Director Mimi Cave makes her feature directorial debut in a film that’s dreadful, horrifying, intense, disturbing and unsettling, but not necessarily in a bad way.

The plot of Fresh is difficult to explain without spoiling the film. So much of the film’s novelty and enjoyment comes from the surprises and reveals. The trailers and marketing materials are a bit misleading, but the trailer does forewarn a rather predictable aspect. Young single Noa (Edgar-Jones) is looking for an idyllic male companion and is not having much luck finding a partner through unreliable dating apps.

It seems the spontaneous meet-cute Noa is searching for finally happens with the charming and handsome, Steve (Stan). Everything seems to move well in their relationship at first, but without giving anything away, Steve is not all that he appears. Noa begins an intense and challenging journey as a result of meeting Steve.

Fresh has a protracted opening act that culminates in an unconventional, yet creative, way. However, the film builds a palpable, dense quicksand of dread from that point. Watching the film in a theater is the ideal format for Fresh, and it’s a shame that most audiences who experience the film for the first time will not share in those overpowering emotions.

Fresh‘s scenario is absolutely horrifying, unsettling and disturbing. Seeing what happens in the film unfold through Noa’s eyes only amplifies those intense emotions. Director Mimi Cave truly finds a visceral, immersive key here. Daisy Edgar-Jones puts in an amazing, empathetic performance coupled with equally empathetic direction by Mimi Cave. At times, the subject matter is difficult, but Edgar-Jones’ performance anchors the conflict. Fresh wouldn’t work with anyone else in the role of Noa.

It’s clear why Sebastian Stan wanted the role of Steve. He does an admirable job playing in this character’s unconventional headspace. For Stan, this role provides a chance for him to do something different and stretch his muscles as an actor, much like his work as Tommy Lee on Pam & Tommy.

Fresh is an impressive effort for Cave’s directorial feature debut. Cave displays a strong, clear vision in this film. Its visual flourishes do not make scenes look over-directed, but instead, they enhance the level of immersion from Noa’s perspective. Fresh is peppered with intense, intimate closeups on the actors’ faces that amp up certain scenes. There’s another interesting visual transition that looks like the interior of a smartphone peering out at Noa.

Cave not only possesses a strong visual sense with the direction but with the film’s sound as well. Fresh has a very interesting sound design and editing style. The film layers ambient sound in an interesting way. The way characters eat and munch on their food is so pronounced that it’s almost like foreshadowing. At one point, Noa is so zoned out during a bad date that the crab in a fish tank appears to converse with her. The film’s excellent sound mix is another reason why experiencing the film for the first time in an actual theater is preferable to the streaming format. Some of that effect will likely be lost watching on TV, a smartphone or tablet.

Lauryn Kahn’s script is fairly solid in spotlighting Noa’s ordeal. A few threads get introduced and get casually tossed aside later. The third-act conclusion, after so much buildup, is incredibly satisfying. However, it’s frustrating that several things are ignored or not revisited. Perhaps more is meant for a sequel, but this does not seem like that type of movie.

There are some shocking notes of humor in the film in the second half that are welcome. The humorous moments are impeccably timed. After so much dreadful suspense, the comedic relief is like finding the water in an oasis after a debilitating trek through a desert. That said, one genre subversion in the second half is creative, yet also rather silly, due to the extended buildup. It’s an amusing, yet ambivalent, moment.

Fresh is a cinematic meal that’s best enjoyed exactly like the title says.

8.0

The final score: review Very Good

The 411

Fresh is a genuinely surprising well-executed film that shocks the system. It seemingly came out of nowhere, yet stuns with a great performance by Daisy-Edgar Jones and impressive direction by first-time feature director Mimi Cave. The fear and horrific dread the film employs are overwhelming at times. The subject matter is incredibly unnerving, but it's all done with purpose. The best way to view this film is with as little knowledge of the plot as possible. Essentially, it's best to watch it fresh.