Freelance – Movie Review
First Reaction – Freelance is a disturbing spiral into madness.
Where to Watch
Freelance was an official selection at Monster Fest 2024 and has been released on VOD including Prime and Apple TV through Radioactive Pictures in Australia and Gravitas Ventures in North America.
Director: John Balazs
Writer: Mike Gerbino (Screenplay)
Cast
- Nicole Pastor (The Cost)
- Jordan Fraser-Trumble (West of Sunshine)
- Stephen Degenaro
- Jasper Bagg (Sleeping Dogs)
- Hannah Brooke
Plot: When a down-on-her luck video editor takes on a mysterious, well-paying job cutting snuff films, she is haunted by visions of the people in her videos.
Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Freelance starts when struggling freelance video editor Katie (Pastor) faces eviction and monetary problems. Her latest job fails to pay an agreed amount, and her work in an industry leaves her blacklisted. However, an unknown email offers her a big payday.
Katie reluctantly takes the job, which sees her editing snuff films. She isn’t sure if they are real, but soon her reality becomes difficult, and her nightmares begin controlling her life.
Verdict on Freelance
Recap
The movie follows a struggling video editor who reluctantly takes a high-paying job. She is disturbed by the material but knows she must push through to make ends meet. However, the role pushes her reality, and she wonders what is real or not.
Best Parts
The movie uses the slow descent into madness and uncertainty very well. Nicole Pastor gives a performance which could easily be compared to Niamh Algar’s performance in Prano Bailey-Bond’s Censor. This shows the struggles of someone trying to make ends meet in a freelancing capacity and shows thoughts which might come across their minds. There is plenty going on with a mystery which makes you want to stick around until the very end.
Worst Parts
It might push things too far for some audience members, as the violent nature of the subject can be difficult to watch.
Final Thoughts –Freelance is a disturbing, uncomfortable descent into madness.
