I did the press junket for Freaks back in 2018, and back then I loved the sci-fi thriller’s overall effectiveness. Armed with a miniscule budget, director/writer duo Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky crafted an immersive world about a 7-year-old girl (Lexy Kolker) who is forced to stay inside her house by her over protective dad (Emile Hirsch). There are a couple of reasons why Freaks is a highly recommended streaming pick, one of which has to do with a recent Middle Class Film Class episode.
Freaks received its share of streaming love a while back when it was available on Netflix. Now you can catch the film on various outlets, and as of this posting you can watch it on Kanopy sans advertisements. For a fully updated list of streaming options, head to Freaks’ Just Watch page.
As a lifelong fan of Bruce Dern (Smile, The Driver) and an avid watcher of Battlestar Galactica (Grace Park co-stars in the feature), Freaks was already on my “to watch” list as soon I knew it was coming out. The biggest surprise of me was Lexy Kolker’s performance as Chloe, the 7-year-old who has no idea which adult to trust. Freaks also features a twist that absolutely shocked the living s**t out of me, and the final act absolutely blew me away.
Listen to Middle Class Film Class’ Freaks episode below on Apple Podcasts:
Middle Class Film Class, hosted by Pete Abeyta, Joseph Navarro, and Tyler Knowy, is a podcast that is well known to our Find Your Film/CinemAddicts crew. Pete is a friend, but all that aside I listen to the podcast for their insightful dives into movies that merit much more attention.
During the episode, Abeyta said he has watched Freaks three times, and so one would assume he absolutely loves Freaks. I won’t give away Joseph or Tyler’s reactions, but let’s just say that one of them questions Dern’s performance in the flick! Personally, I love these different takes, and though Dern for me is on the highest level of actors, I prefer cinema discussions not be an echo chamber. There are several differenng opinions of Freaks, and the trio give their review of the movie first and then dive into the in-depth spoiler talk. So if you have not seen Freaks, the first section of this episode is worth a listen, and then you can return after your “freaky” experience!
Listen to Middle Class Film Class’ Freaks episode below on Spotify:
I recently purchased a discounted Freaks DVD at my local Dollar Store and I recently traded that disc in at my local store for petty cash. After listening to the Middle Class Film Class episode and reminding myself how much I love the movie, I regret my decision!! So this streaming recommendation is also a way for me to balance out my horrible DVD trade-in decision!! Hopefully the movie gods forgive me!!
Below are my two Freaks interviews from several years back:
FREAKS Movie Info:
Directors: Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky
Writers: Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Grace Park, with Amanda Crew, and introducing Lexy Kolker
Producers: Adam Stein, p.g.a., Zach Lipovsky, p.g.a, Jordan Barber, Mitchell Waxman
There is a plethora of streaming options for Freaks, but physical media is also available!!
You can reach the Middle Class Film Class hosts on their official website: https://www.mcfcpodcast.com/
I'm 💀 https://t.co/sl3BNix1mU
— Adam Stein 🌻 (@adamstein) September 23, 2022
