FRESH on Hulu / Disney+ is a new horror-thriller that begins as a classic rom-com. About 30 minutes into the story, things go sideways in the most terrifying way. It’s absolutely brilliant. Read our full Fresh movie review here!

FRESH is a new horror thriller on Hulu/Disney+ starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan. When the movie begins, it’s a classic rom-com of the best kind. However, that part won’t last long and it only means the terror has an even harder impact when it begins. And boy, does it come swiftly!

This is a feature film debut for director Mimi Cave and I cannot wait to see what she does next. I loved everything from the tone and style of the movie to the awesome soundtrack. In fact, I can’t wait to watch it again.

I only wish I could watch it for the first time all over again, so make sure you enjoy your first time around!

Continue reading our Fresh movie review below and find it on Hulu in the US and Disney+ everywhere else.

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan shine

Actually, as much as both Daisy Edgar Jones and Sebastian Stan are brilliant in their respective roles, he is actually the one who shines. The trailer reveals very little (and thank the movie gods for that), but it does reveal that he changes along the way.

Sebastian Stan gets to really let his hair down – so to speak. The man is absolutely gorgeous and so amazingly charming as Steve. And then he gets a little crazy but in a very different way than what you might expect. Also, the soundtrack of Fresh is so awesome and seems to always speak to Steve’s mood.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is a resourceful kick-ass woman who has an amazing best friend in Mollie. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone, but she does want to believe in love. A little too much and too quickly, but hey, that’s what Disney movies have always told women.

This is actually a point in Fresh, which is very on-the-nose considering that this movie is released on Disney+ worldwide, while it’s released on Hulu in the US.

Also, I should mention that Mollie is portrayed by Jojo T. Gibbs. Her role in this almost reminded me of Lil Rel Howery in Get Out. That best friend who gives you just the right kind of tough love and “ride or die”-energy that you just know they won’t give up on you.

Jojo T. Gibbs (Twenties) gave off the perfect energy for this character! The same can definitely be said for Dayo Okeniyi (See) as the bartender, Paul.

Fresh (2022) – Review | Horror Movie on Hulu/Disney+

When Rom-Com goes Horror!

Fresh stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) and Sebastian Stan (Captain America franchise, The Devil All the Time) in the lead roles. Both of them are absolutely amazing and come across in the most amazing ways. Each in their own ways as you’ll see.

Please, don’t try to read up on this movie before you watch it. You’ll only be spoiling it for yourself.

In fact, what I will tell you is that the horror-thriller part doesn’t begin until a good half hour into Fresh. When the movie opens, it comes across as a classic (and really good) rom-com. Then, around the half-hour mark, things take a drastic turn and it’s pure horror territory from there. With some horror-comedy along the way!

Also, the opening credits don’t come until after that half-hour mark. Mainly because that is when the real story begins. To paraphrase Steve (Sebastian Stan), when Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) asks him what’s going on: “You’re gonna freak out!”

I would definitely have freaked out, but as the audience of this movie, I was absolutely thrilled!

Watch Fresh on Hulu in the US or Disney+ worldwide!

Fresh is the feature film debut for director Mimi Cave. She previously directed short films including music videos, beginning in 2014. With this debut, Mimi Cave is off to a stellar start as a feature film director. The screenplay was written by Lauryn Kahn, who had her feature film debut with the Netflix movie Ibiza (2018).

Based on Fresh alone, I really hope this isn’t the last time Mimi Cave directs a movie based on a screenplay by Lauryn Kahn. The result is absolutely brilliant. This horror gem was produced by Adam McKay and Kevin Messick (via Hyperobject Industries) with Maeve Cullinane (Succession) as co-producer.

Also, the gorgeous visuals are by cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski. He also shot the two brilliant Ari Aster horror movies Hereditary and Midsommar, which should give you an idea of the quality.

You should really do your very best to avoid spoilers because this movie will throw you for a loop a few times. Ultimately, the final act is absolutely insane. And it’s simply perfect in so many ways! Fresh premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022 and holds a well-earned IMDb rating of 7.0 prior to its wide release.

FRESH will be out on Hulu in the US from March 4, 2022. It will be out on Disney+ in other countries from the same date (except in the UK and Ireland where it will premiere on March 18, 2022).

Details

Director: Mimi Cave
Script: Lauryn Kahn
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan, Jojo T. Gibbs, Andrea Bang, Dayo Okeniyi, Charlotte Le Bon, Brett Dier

Plot

“Fresh” follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who meets the alluring Steve (Sebastian Stan) at a grocery store and – given her frustration with dating apps – takes a chance and gives him her number. After their first date, Noa is smitten and accepts Steve’s invitation to a romantic weekend getaway. Only to find that her new paramour has been hiding some unusual appetites.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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