Name: Fresh
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Comedy
Released: 2022-03-03T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sebastian Stan, Jojo T. Gibbs, Charlotte Le Bon, Dayo Okeniyi

The opening scene of Mimi Cave’s “Fresh” is a familiar one: Noa, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, swipes left on another forgettable dating app profile. The grocery store meet-cute that follows between Noa and Sebastian Stan’s Steve feels refreshingly organic, a welcome departure from the digital dating nightmare she’s just escaped. But what starts as a charming romantic comedy quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

Cave, known for her work in fashion and music videos, makes her feature directorial debut with “Fresh,” a genre-blending thriller that plays like a dark twist on “The Bachelor” meets “American Psycho.” The film’s strength lies in its subversion of romantic comedy tropes. Edgar-Jones is excellent as Noa, bringing a relatable mix of vulnerability and determination to the role. Her performance anchors the film, making her character’s terrible decisions feel eerily plausible.

Stan, however, steals the show. His portrayal of Steve is a masterclass in charismatic menace. He oozes charm and confidence, making it all too easy to see why Noa would fall for him. But there’s always something slightly off about his performance, a hint of darkness lurking beneath the surface that keeps viewers on edge.

The film’s pacing is one of its standout features. Cave expertly builds tension, using the romantic comedy genre conventions against itself. The audience is lulled into a false sense of security, only to be jolted awake by sudden bursts of violence and horror. This cat-and-mouse game between expectation and subversion keeps the narrative engaging.

However, “Fresh” isn’t without its flaws. The film’s second half relies heavily on shock value, and some of the more gruesome scenes feel gratuitous rather than meaningful. Additionally, the film’s exploration of toxic relationships and gender dynamics is intriguing but underdeveloped. It raises important questions about power dynamics in romantic relationships but doesn’t delve deep enough into the complexities of these issues.

The cinematography is another highlight, with Cave using close-ups and intimate framing to create a sense of claustrophobia. The film’s score also deserves mention, effectively amplifying the tension and unease throughout.

In the end, “Fresh” is a thrilling, if somewhat uneven, debut from Mimi Cave.