Freak Show
2018 · Directed by Trudie Styler
Original language: English
- comedy
- drama
The story
The story of teenager Billy Bloom who, despite attending an ultra conservative high school, makes the decision to run for homecoming queen.
What it’s like
Bright, candy-coloured costume design set against drab suburban corridors, with a glossy, sun-washed digital look and a pop-leaning soundtrack that keeps the mood buoyant. The feel is campy and affectionate, a comedy that wears its heart on its sequins, though the lighter scenes give way to harder edges as a flamboyant teenager pushes against a rigid, conservative school. A soft, sweet-natured arc about self-assurance and the courage to be seen, with a deliberate contrast between joyful fabric and cruel hallways. Intensity is moderate: bullying, verbal cruelty and a hate-motivated assault that lands with real sting, but no gore and little prolonged darkness. Best for a lazy afternoon when you want something uplifting and funny with an emotional undertow, or for viewers who enjoy queer coming-of-age stories told with flair. It suits people who want to feel buoyant after a tough day, and it is especially resonant for anyone who remembers being the outsider who refused to dim.
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