Frustrated by scrolling dating apps only to end up on lame, tedious dates, Noa takes a chance by giving her number to the awkwardly charming Steve after a produce-section meet-cute at the grocery store.
- Released: 2022-03-03
- Runtime: 114 minutes
- Genre: Horror, Romance, Thrillers
- Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan, Jonica T. Gibbs, Andrea Bang, Dayo Okeniyi, Charlotte Le Bon, Brett Dier, Alina Maris, William Belleau, Lachlan Quarmby, Sunghee Lapell, Arghavan Jenati, Anthony Ingram, Frances Leigh, Lance Birley, Joe Costa, Larry Hoe, Scott McGrath, Robert Corness, Arghavan Jenati
- Director: Mimi Cave
Comments
- Pairic - 31 May 2024
For Those With Strong Appetites
Fresh: Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) finds the dating scene rather tasteless, her app supplies a bland menu of possibilities so when she bumps into a quirky yet charming guy, Steve (Sebastian Stan), at the Fresh Food section in a supermarket, she's minded to give him a try. Things work out swimmingly and she soon agrees to go away for a weekend with him. But ... he drugs her and she wakes up in chains. Steve has some odd tastes and it would be a spoiler to reveal them here. Suffice to say that he has a discerning and exclusive customer base. And Noa isn't his only captive. He is such a charming sociopath even after he has shown his violent side, Noa realises that she will have to convince him that she is harmless and has even developed Stockholm Syndrome if she is to get her teeth into solving this hard conundrum. Really disturbing, even nauseating in parts yet this horror thriller is also a black comedy/social satire. The gallows humour does leaven the mood a bit. Great performances from Edgar-Jones and Stan. Directed by Mimi Cave, in her convincing directorial debut, from a screenplay by Lauryn Kahn. 8/10. - aydensfc - 6 March 2024
Fresh Did Not Fulfill My Appetite for Horror
MILD SPOILER WARNING
Fresh offered an interesting combination of romance, comedy, and horror. The problem with this was that there was not enough love, laughs, or scares to make the movie really stand out. While the actors Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones provide a great performance and embody very believable characters, the film overall left some to be desired. The film had some laughs in the beginning, but quickly became more serious and turned its focus to building tension and suspense. The big question throughout the film is whether or not Noa will escape. There are several times we think escape or a rescue is imminent, only to have our hopes shot down. This was an effective way to build the suspense and set the scene for the final portion of the movie. The gore and imagery of the movie felt very real and painted a grotesque picture for readers to digest (no pun intended). The cannibalism throughout the movie and the motivations for it raised some questions for me, as I wondered if there really were people who would do such things simply because it is an exotic thrill that not many people would ever experience. While this film was enjoyable to watch, it ultimately fell flat for me simply because it was not scary at all. At best, this movie was just creepy and weird. While some people may like this, when I am watching a horror movie I like to get really engaged and feel true terror, and this was not something this movie did to me. Taking into account the great performance of the actors, the couple of laughs we got, and the lack of true terror, I would give this film a 6/10. - jahikstewart - 4 March 2024
Don't Sit This One Out
Unless you have quesy stomach, forewarning, don't plan to eat during or after this film. Despite this movie being mostly economic with its gore(it is not splatterfest), the implications might be revolting enough to make your skin crawl. "Fresh "Fresh" is a macabre amalgamation of romance and horror, laced with dark comedy, reminding us that meeting in real life is no safer than online dating, and teaching Noa with the worst possible scenario. The film's excellent comedic timing persists even as it takes a darker turn, maintaining a delicate balance between humor and horror without diminishing the tension. In comparison to "Bones And All," this film navigates the cannibalistic romance premise with a defter touch. The synergy between sound and visuals elevates the grotesque moments, leaving an indelible imprint on your subconscious that might ruin your next spaghetti dish.
The first act does a great job establishing our characters despite the occasional sense of déjà vu. When Noa wanted to get in the car with Steve, the too good to be true date she just met a day ago, to a "surprise" location, we're right there with her best friend Mollie, shouting "NO! Don't go!" Despite being a cannibalistic psycho, Steve is able to pull off a being charming character, the kind of person who would casually discuss the difficulties of his day at work while you're chained in his basement. Whilst Noa refuses to succumb to victimhood, relying wits and being the girl Steve wants her to be to find her own light at the end of a dark situation. It is cool how this movie leaves pieces of the puzzle for you to piece together yourself, such as who Steve's wife is. Overall was captivated the whole time, but it will be while before I can stomach another viewing. - Boristhemoggy - 29 December 2022
Fresh and delightful
Wow. Again, I had no idea what the film was before starting it. Daisy Edgar Jones is a big draw and she's going from strength to strength. She has amazing screen presence I was thoroughly enjoying her new romance until... ...and then hell let loose! Stan also plays a blinding part, you'd never have guessed at the beginning what was to come. But he makes the transition from saint to sinner easily and completely.
Edgar Jones also makes a transition from victim to hero and yet appears to be all the while vulnerable.
I absolutely loved this film it had me on the edge right from the opening credits until the end.
Horrors are 10 a penny but this one is deffo worth gold. - chrismwolfe - 10 November 2022
Breast in show acting
This was a surprisingly entertaining and well rounded movie.
The pacing was quite good as it kept me engaged and waiting to see what came next. The plot was not the most wildly original concept in the world, but had enough of a bit of a twist to make it feel moderately fresh (pun intended lol).
The tension built at a consistent rate, plateauing a bit towards the middle right before it hit its climax. It hit thriller for sure, with a bit of body horror/ gore, while also having bits of lightheartedness sprinkled throughout.
I felt like they were almost on the verge of looking a little "try hard" artsy and different as far as the way it was shot and edited... but I just ended up liking it... so I guess it was successful lol but it felt a little TOO purposeful if that makes sense.
I'd have to say the top shining moment in this is the acting. The two main actors did a really great job which was what really pushed it to a seven for me. Their performances were nuanced and down to earth in a scenario that might not be the most relatable thing... superb job. Would recommend.
Also, just FYI... there were a lot of mouth noises in this... I don't know if this was purposeful because it kind of centers around "food" but it was irksome to say the least lol. - TheNamelessCzar - 14 October 2022
Tastefully done
Going into the movie, I had some idea that it involved... Let's say a different dietary preference. However, I did not know much about the meat of the movie. I was very pleasantly surprised. It had its moments of suspense and thrills with all sorts of dark comedy, and very good acting overall. Definitely an entertaining watch and a lot of fun to devour. It should only have some plot holes that didn't make a lot of sense, but those were easy to overlook due to the entertainment value of the flick. If you're looking for something fun to watch, and in a Halloween frame of mind, this is definitely one that should satisfy your taste. - bret-bannerman - 31 August 2022
Bahahhaaahahaahaa
@paul-allaer what are you ON?! BABAHHAA This is at times gross just in your own thoughts of believing what they're eating...otherwise this is BEYOND, HORRIDLY, RIDICULOUS LAUGH OUT LOUD CAMP "horror" - in GROSSLY bad taste. However this is by no means a horror of the year. It's sick, twisted, campy, grossness. By the end of it I was laughing so hard I was crying. If this was not the intention then wow both the writer and director and anyone else involved should never be any part of any movie ever again. Anyone that sees this as a true scary horror needs to put their crystal meth/crack pipe down...🤣🤣🤣
