Fresh

Fresh, directed by Mimi Cave and released in 2022, is a smart and experimental thriller that follows the perspective of Noa, played with a resonating depth by Daisy Edgar-Jones, a personality-driven young woman who's grown weary of the mundane and often dangerous dating scene. In an era of instant gratification, where interpersonal connections can too often feel superficial, Noa represents the quintessential modern dater, looking for real, meaningful connections amidst a sea of endless, hopeless swiping.

Sebastian Stan, known for his role as The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinic Universe, masterfully portrays Steve, a man who seems to be everything Noa could wish for in a potential partner- charming, thoughtful and intriguingly enigmatic. Stan's portrayal exudes charisma and an underlying threat as Steve, making for an unforgettable performance.

The third character who makes this triangle complete is Mollie, Noa's best friend, played with vivacious charm by Jojo T. Gibbs. Her character lends a unique and often hilarious outlook on dating and friendship, adding a necessary levity to balance the progressively intense storyline.

The plot, effectively balancing elements of horror, romance, and dark satire, uses a dystopian lens to illustrate the disillusionment and dangers of modern dating, transforming casual encounters into horrific situations without sacrificing the plausibility of the premise. Noa, after many unsuccessful attempts at love, finally meets Steve in a grocery store, a refreshing and unanticipated deviation from her typical dating app encounters. They embark upon a relationship characterized by flirtatious banter, profound connection, and escalating tension.

However, the tone shifts as the couple retreats for a weekend getaway, and the narrative takes a harrowing and unpredictable turn, plummeting headlong into a world of horror. At this point, Fresh subtly morphs from a light-hearted romantic exploration into a chilling thriller, invoking suspense and a sense of dread that holds viewers on the edge of their seats.

As Fresh unfolds, it explores a multitude of themes that extend beyond the realm of romantic relationships. It scrutinizes the value society places on female bodies, beauty and youth, as well as our often overstated expectations from love and relationships. It's the perfect concoction of romance, humor, and horror that results in an unforgettable viewing experience.

From a visual standpoint, Fresh is a film that bursts with vibrancy and intensity. By utilizing unconventional camera angles and intimate close-ups, director Mimi Cave showcases her knack for fashioning scenes that are not only visually striking but also instrumental in evoking a particular mood or emotion. Sarah Goldfinger's screenplay provides both depth and levity, offering refreshing dialogue that reveals character motivations without veering into redundancy.

Moreover, Fresh’s genre-bending approach allows it to dissect the realities of modern dating and the pressures of adhering to societal standards in a way that's innovative and unflinchingly shocking. The film doesn't shy away from portraying the distressing aspects of relationships, making it a thought-provoking exploration of dating and the trials it often comes with.

The film maintains its momentum with its adept balance of suspense and humor, along with its fantastic performances. Daisy Edgar-Jones gives a compelling performance as Noa, a character who, despite her unfortunate circumstances, never loses her humanity. She perfectly encapsulates the modern-day heroine – strong, independent, and not without a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. Sebastian Stan further amplifies the narrative tension with a chilling performance that leaves the audience both fascinated and repulsed. Jojo T. Gibbs’ Mollie is a breathtakingly real character, who brings a lighthearted and joyful energy to an otherwise somber narrative.

By the end, even as Fresh veers into darker territories, it leaves viewers with substantial food for thought. While it engages viewers with thrilling sequences and grim humor, the film manages to offer introspection into relationships, the human hunger for genuine connections, and the deep-seated fears dwelling in the darkest corners of the dating world.

To summarize, Fresh is a visceral cinematic experience that seamlessly navigates through genres, culminating in an intense narrative that forces viewers to reconsider the nature of modern romance. Stacked with an impressive cast, mind-bending plot twists, and poignant social commentary, the film offers a fresh (no pun intended) and unique contribution to the thriller genre, making for an inescapable conversation starter long after the credits roll.