Merging different genres of film can be a tricky thing to get right, but Freaky manages to deliver a horror comedy which doesn’t lack in gore or laughs.
Think Freaky Friday meets Scream brought up to date in 2021’s woke society, nerdy teen misfit, Millie (Kathryn Newton) swaps bodies with The Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn) when she becomes his latest victim as he attempts to kill her with an enchanted dagger. With only 24 hours to swap back or face living in each other’s bodies forever, Millie finds herself in a race against time.
Newton and Vaughn appear to be having a ball here and both pull off the body swapping superbly. Newton seamlessly switches between cutesy Millie and the stone faced killer – she gives us some great one liners, while Vaughn impeccably captures all of Millie’s traits, completely convincing the audience of the switch. He’s well known for his comedic roles but I would have to put myself out there and say this is his best performance to date. You can’t help but laugh every time you watch him run.
The supporting cast are also just as impressive. Celeste O’Connor and Misha Osherovich are excellent as Millie’s best friends, Nyles and Josh. Realising they both don’t stand a chance because she’s black and he’s gay was a brilliant tongue in cheek nod to the kind of slasher movies we’ve seen before. Misha in particular brought in so many laughs, especially when we meet his Mum and noticing all the portraits and statues of the pair dotted around their home are a joy. Uriah Shelton gives us a romantic interest for Millie as Brooker and there’s a scene between him and Vaughn in the back of a car which was hilarious as much as it was progressive.
The element of comedy in this movie made me worry that it wouldn’t deliver with the scares but it doesn’t hold back. The first scene could easily be the opening from a chapter of the Scream franchise (with an element of Scary Movie) and although there aren’t loads of kills throughout the movie, they really make them count when they do happen. Alan Ruck makes a fantastic appearance as Mr Bernardi and his run in with The Butcher is executed so well and gives the viewer so much satisfaction.
Freaky is huge amounts of fun. A great slasher movie which will make you laugh as much as wince at some of the brutal killings. Please Blumhouse – feel free to give us more!
