“Some Freaks” is an indie film that defies conventions, offering a refreshing and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the struggles of adolescence. Directed by Ian MacAllister McDonald, this 2016 gem stands out in a sea of coming-of-age dramas for its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of societal norms.
At its core, “Some Freaks” revolves around the unlikely romance between two high school misfits, Matt and Jill. This movie is played in English with remarkable authenticity by Thomas Mann and Lily Mae Harrington, respectively, these characters are far from the typical Hollywood archetypes. Matt is an overweight and socially awkward teenager who is constantly ridiculed by his peers, while Jill is a confident and outspoken girl with a prosthetic arm, navigating her own insecurities in a judgmental environment.
What sets “Some Freaks” apart is its refusal to sugarcoat the realities of adolescence. McDonald’s direction is understated yet powerful, allowing the characters and their emotions to take center stage. From the awkwardness of first love to the pain of rejection and betrayal, every moment feels authentic and relatable. The film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, tackling issues of body image, self-worth, and societal expectations with nuance and sensitivity.
Friendship and Family
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. Matt and Jill are not merely defined by their physical appearances or disabilities; they are fully fleshed-out individuals with hopes, dreams, and insecurities just like anyone else. Mann and Harrington deliver standout performances, imbuing their characters with depth and complexity. Their chemistry is palpable, drawing the audience into their tumultuous relationship and making us root for their happiness against all odds.
Beyond the central romance, “Some Freaks” also delves into themes of friendship, family, and the search for acceptance. Matt’s relationship with his best friend, Elmo (Ely Henry), provides a poignant counterpoint to his romance with Jill. Elmo is fiercely loyal and supportive, yet even he struggles to understand Matt’s choices as their friendship is put to the test. Similarly, Jill’s strained relationship with her mother (Lachlan Buchanan) adds another layer of depth to her character, Couchpop review highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of parental expectations.
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Visually, “Some Freaks” is striking in its simplicity. McDonald opts for a naturalistic aesthetic, eschewing flashy camerawork or stylized visuals in favor of a more intimate and authentic approach. The film’s muted color palette and understated cinematography underscore the emotional weight of the story, allowing the performances to shine through without distraction.
Movie Community Acceptance
Of course, no discussion of “Some Freaks” would be complete without mentioning its powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience. Matt and Jill’s journey is one of self-discovery, as they learn to embrace their flaws and find strength in their differences. In a society that often values conformity over individuality, the Under the Radar Magazine review serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our imperfections and finding connection with others who accept us for who we are.
This film is a noteworthy first movie for McDonald (he composed and coordinated). Convincing and all around paced, it’s upheld by a threesome of truly amiable entertainers depicting complex and forcefully created characters. Crowds shouldn’t need to have had Matt’s or alternately Jill’s or alternately Elmo’s precise character provokes in secondary school to perceive the hardships that come from growing up any negligible part of society’s meaning of “various.” The snags every last one of them face consistently are certifiable and widespread. They charm these individuals to us, and to be sure McDonald’s respect to and love for his characters are a portion of the film’s incredible assets.
We need to see these individuals win, for them to shed that “freak” external layer and be essentially individuals — like every other person. The film takes a dim, albeit not totally inorganic move in the direction of the end, in any case, which concurrent manages the cost of the trio registration to everybody while solidly settling in them in the realm of “otherness.” McDonald’s point, that we are in general oddities, or not a single one of us are, doesn’t convey total fulfillment, however a nuanced and pointed proclamation waits long after the end credits quit rolling.
That being said, “Some Freaks” is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find certain scenes overly melodramatic or the pacing uneven at times. Additionally, the film’s open-ended conclusion may leave some longing for more resolution. However, these minor quibbles are easily overlooked in light of the film’s overall emotional impact and thought-provoking themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Some Freaks” is a gem of independent cinema that deserves to be seen and celebrated. With its authentic performances, nuanced storytelling, and powerful message of self-acceptance, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Whether you’re a fan of indie dramas or simply appreciate a good love story with depth and substance, “Some Freaks” is not to be missed.
