Freaks: You’re One of Us (2020)

 Freaks: You’re One of Us (2020)

 

3/10

 

Starring
Finnlay Berger
Thelma Buabeng
Gisa Flake

 

Directed by Felix Binder

 

The best definition of disappointment is the German film Freaks: You’re One of Us. I went into it with a lot of expectation—not hoping for an MCU or DCEU-level movie, but at least something close to The Old Guard. Unfortunately, while the movie seems to have a lot of potential at the start, it quickly devolves into a wasteful plot about two people with powers being a nuisance to themselves and everyone around them.

This German film might have been more enjoyable if the director hadn’t focused so much on turning what was supposed to be a sci-fi thriller into some sort of romantic jealousy flick. The acting takes a nosedive long before the plot does, with only the leading lady managing to hold her own.

In terms of special effects, there’s not much to write home about. The lack of budget is painfully obvious, particularly in scenes where she’s destroying bikes. The camera awkwardly zooms in on her face and then zooms out after the supposed destruction is done. It’s frustrating and makes those moments feel cheap.

The plot begins with the introduction of Wendy, a little girl caught up in some tragedy. A mysterious woman comes to take her away, and we later see Wendy as an adult, now married with a son. Her family is struggling financially, with their home facing foreclosure and Wendy hoping for a promotion at work to make ends meet.

Things take a turn when a homeless man approaches Wendy, telling her she’s special. He advises her to stop taking the pills she’s been prescribed since childhood if she wants to realize her true potential. Predictably, she does, and that’s when she discovers she has powers.

From this point, the movie starts to lose its way. Wendy somehow figures out that a coworker is also taking the same pills (I must’ve missed how she knew this) and convinces him to stop. There’s an awkward and unnecessary romantic tension between them, which feels baseless and adds nothing to the story. From there, the plot becomes increasingly silly, to the point where I felt physically irritated watching it.

You can catch this movie on Netflix, but don’t expect to be blown away. It feels like a lazy attempt at making a superhero movie, with an ending so ridiculous that I’m sure the director thought it would land better than it does.

Honestly, I wish I hadn’t seen this movie, so I can’t recommend it. If you’re in the mood for a non-Marvel or DC superhero movie, you’re better off watching The Old Guard again.