Worn by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, “Fresh”, available on Disney+, is a cannibalistic thriller that mixes horror with comedy. If you were seduced by this film, here are three proposals to (re)discover.
In Fresh, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) meets Steve (Sebastian Stan) in the middle of a supermarket shelf. For the young woman, tired of dating apps, it was love at first sight. It even seems mutual. Just when she is thinking of going on a weekend with the handsome stranger, things get out of hand and the nightmare begins.
Directed by Mimi Cave, Fresh is a thriller at the crossroads of genres, between romantic comedy and horror. A variant of the famous Bluebeard tale, the film points to the exploitation of women’s bodies and dating in the digital age. To continue the experience, AlloCiné recommends three films likely to appeal to fans of the genre.
American Psycho (2000)
Screenshot Christian Bale in “American Psycho”.
Adaptation of the shocking and controversial novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho follows the journey of Patrick Bateman, young Wall Street glory. Behind his superficial golden boy looks, this appearance-obsessed man is actually a ruthless serial killer. At night, he preys on homeless people and lures women into his luxury apartment to better eliminate them.
Patrick Bateman and the character of Steve in Fresh could be cousins. They both share a rare insensitivity, an obsession with cleanliness and even a passion for eighties hits. More than 20 years after its release, Mary Harron’s film is still remembered and Christian Bale’s terrifying performance has something to do with it.
Available on Netflix
Misery (1990)
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)
James Caan in “Misery”.
Another adaptation, this time from a book by Stephen King, the master of horror literature. In Misery, Paul Sheldon, a successful writer, is the victim of a car accident. Trapped in a ravine under inches of snow, he is eventually rescued by a woman, Annie Wilkes, who happens to be one of his biggest fans. The author, who thought he was safe, will discover the true face of his admirer.
Behind closed doors, Misery is one of Stephen King’s most successful adaptations. Like Noa in Fresh, the character played by James Caan is also held prisoner and will have to sympathize with his executioner to get out of it. As Annie Wilkes, Kathy Bates is brilliant. In 1991, she received the Oscar for best actress for her role.
Available on SHADOWZ
Serious (2016)
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Garance Marillier in “Grave”.
Director Julia Ducournau’s first feature film, Grave tells the story of Justine, a young vegetarian who enters veterinary school. During a particularly aggressive hazing, she is forced to eat meat. Her body reacts and the student then begins to experience an attraction to human flesh.
Grave and Fresh share the subject of cannibalism, with the only difference that it is approached under the prism of fantasy in the second film. Presented at Cannes in 2016, Julia Ducournau’s project has since forged a solid reputation. Between learning story, human drama and French horror, Grave is to be consumed without moderation.
Available on Amazon Prime Video