Happy Goat Horror

Fresh is a dark comedy-horror that gleefully dives into the horrifying depths of modern dating while taking a sharp turn into twisted and grotesque territory. What begins as a seemingly charming romantic tale quickly spirals into a nightmare, making for a film that’s equal parts funny and unsettling. It’s a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, as it mixes social commentary with horror in a way that feels both fresh and disturbing.

“Some things are just too good to be true.”

The Premise

In Fresh, we meet Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a woman struggling with the frustrations of modern dating. Enter Steve (Sebastian Stan), who seems like a dream come true: charming, handsome, and seemingly perfect. However, as their relationship deepens, Noa begins to uncover chilling secrets about Steve and his true intentions. What seems like a modern romance quickly transforms into a shocking and sinister narrative about exploitation and consumption, both literal and metaphorical.

The premise of Fresh is rooted in the horror of online dating and the dangers of trusting the wrong person. The film taps into the fears of being deceived and manipulated, making it a modern twist on the horror genre. While it might not be the most original concept, the way Fresh executes it is what makes it stand out—combining the grotesque with moments of humor, making the film feel both unnerving and, at times, darkly hilarious.

“When dating goes from thrilling to terrifying.”

The Execution

The most immediate standout in Fresh is the performances. Daisy Edgar-Jones brings a perfect mix of vulnerability and determination to Noa, making her journey from naive romantic to empowered survivor feel authentic and compelling. Sebastian Stan, on the other hand, absolutely kills it as the charming yet terrifying Steve. His portrayal of the charming psychopath is both magnetic and unsettling, giving the film a level of emotional complexity that elevates the horror. The chemistry between the two is palpable, which makes the revelation of Steve’s true nature all the more chilling.

The direction by Mimi Cave is sharp and confident, especially as the tension builds. The pacing keeps you hooked, with a sense of dread mounting from the very first act. The humor, though dark and uncomfortable, is expertly woven throughout, providing a balance to the tension without ever undermining the seriousness of the situation. Fresh is a film that takes its time in building suspense, and when it finally delivers, it does so with a ferocity that hits hard.

“A tale of consumption that’s as grotesque as it is gripping.”

The Horror Elements

Where Fresh excels in its horror is in the grotesque and visceral. The film doesn’t shy away from the macabre, with shocking moments of body horror and violence that are as graphic as they are disturbing. The cannibalistic undertones are unsettling, but it’s the way the film explores the themes of consumption—both in terms of literal eating and emotional exploitation—that gives it its true horror.

However, the film doesn’t fall into pure shock value. The gore is balanced with moments of psychological horror, and there’s a lingering sense of dread that builds throughout the film. The concept of being consumed—not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically—is what makes the horror elements of Fresh feel so potent and timely.

“In a world of predators, who’s truly in control?”

Final Thoughts

Fresh is a disturbing and darkly funny film that explores the horrors of modern romance and the dangers of putting trust in the wrong person. With sharp writing, incredible performances, and a uniquely horrifying premise, it stands as one of the more original horror-comedies in recent memory. While it might not offer the same level of terror as some more traditional horror films, Fresh will leave you questioning the nature of human relationships, making it a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling watch. It’s a must-see for anyone looking for a blend of horror, humor, and social commentary in their films.

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Strengths

• Strong performances, particularly from Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan
• Perfect balance of horror, dark humor, and social commentary
• A fresh (pun intended) take on the horror genre, blending body horror with psychological terror

Weaknesses

• Some may find the dark humor too unsettling or off-putting
• The pacing can feel a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning

Score: 8.0 – A captivating mix of horror, dark humor, and social critique that makes Fresh a stand-out film in the genre.