Sebastian Stan Serves Charismatically Wicked Charm in Fresh

Frustrated by scrolling dating apps only to end up on lame, tedious dates, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) takes a chance by giving her number to the awkwardly charming Steve (Sebastian Stan) after meeting in produce at the grocery store.  Noa dares to hope that she might have actually found a real connection with the dashing cosmetic surgeon after their successful bar date and accepts his invitation to an impromptu weekend getaway, only to find Steve’s been hiding some unusual appetites.

The minute that getaway turned wrong I knew what was up.  It was like Silence of The Lambs meets Black Dahlia in the best way possible.

Director Mimi Cave’s feature debut is a rollercoaster ride, nail biting thriller centering on the shenanigans women face in the modern dating scene. Along with Lauryn Kahn’s shrewd, witty script, a soundtrack of retro deep-cut bangers to highlight the film’s over-the-top verve.  Cinematographer
Pawel Pogorzelski brings his signature style used in Midsommar and Hereditary to create interestingly seductive close-ups making the camera its own secret character. Especially during a moment where we catch a reflection of Steve in the eye mirror of Noa.  However the production design from Jennifer Morden which splashes of vibrant color palates brings life to the film in a manner which is completely unexpected and welcomed given the subject matter.

Daisy Edgar-Jones inhabits the exact amount of vulnerability blossoming into confidence and strength as Noa while using her brains and body, while Sebastian Stan delivers a deliciously wicked performance as the too good to be true, man of your dreams Steve. His charisma will leave you conflicted as to whether you feel his pain or want to whoop that ass.

The title itself is full of so much meaning.  Women that represent prey for men, those perceived as naive and one who is flirty borderline sexy are all referred to as ‘fresh.’  Kinda makes you think twice doesn’t it.  This intense psychological thriller will make audiences ponder many times over the next you even contemplate going off with aa stranger.  Let’s face it.  In this day and age dates are like a box of chocolate.  You never know what you’re gonna get.

Fresh is a definitive statement on the dating tropes of thee 21st century and the issues women globally have to deal with when assumptions and ideals are misplaced while searching for romance.