If there is one thing this movie has taught me it’s this.
NEVER THIRST WATCH! ( especially for sebastian stan )
Alright, did I watch this movie just for Sebastian Stan? Maybe. Did it traumatize me? Yes. But did I end up watching an amazing film? Yes.
Fresh is a 2022 American horror thriller film directed by Mimi Cave, in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by Lauryn Kahn. The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan. The film 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 he has been hiding some unusual appetites.
Unusual is an understatement. This movie is so beautiful yet gnawing at the same time. This movie is a metaphorical social commentary The movie shows an accurate representation of how women are often perceived in the dating world.
Like meat.
"Fresh" is not just a horror film; it is a sharp critique of the commodification of human bodies and the superficiality of modern relationships. The movie draws parallels between the way people are treated as disposable commodities in the dating world and the literal objectification of women as consumable goods in Steve's twisted enterprise. This commentary is reinforced by the film's satirical tone, which uses dark humor to underscore the absurdity of the situations Noa finds herself in. The film also touches on themes of trust and betrayal, exploring how easily people can be deceived by appearances and how dangerous it can be to let one's guard down in the pursuit of love. Steve's dual persona as a charming lover and a monstrous predator highlights the dangers of modern dating, where people's true intentions can be hidden behind carefully crafted facades.
"Fresh" is a visually striking film with a style that draws you in and keeps you on edge. Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski uses muted colors to create a feeling of isolation, while the stark contrast between the bright, everyday world and the dark interiors of Steve's mansion ramps up the tension. The way the camera lingers on close-ups of food and flesh adds to the unsettling atmosphere, blurring the lines between what's desirable and what's disturbing.
The film’s pacing is careful and deliberate, building tension as Noa gradually uncovers the true horror of her situation. The movie starts off feeling like a typical romantic comedy, which makes the sudden shift to something much darker all the more shocking and effective.
“Is it only women you eat?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“Well that’s where the market is, plus women just taste better.”
Steve in "Fresh" is more than just a character—he’s a metaphor for a certain type of man who views women as nothing more than objects to be consumed, both literally and figuratively. His actions and attitude throughout the film reveal a deep-seated perception of women as mere commodities, something to be used and discarded. This portrayal is chilling because it taps into a broader commentary about how some men treat women in the real world—not as individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and autonomy, but as things that exist solely for their pleasure.
The film can be interpreted in multiple ways. Some might see it as a dark commentary on the meat industry, with Steve's cannibalism serving as a grotesque parallel to how animals are treated in our food systems. Others might view it as a straightforward horror movie, with the fear factor coming from the gruesome idea of a man who literally consumes his victims. However, I believe the most compelling interpretation is as a critique of the modern dating world.
In the context of dating, Steve represents the dangers that women face when trying to navigate relationships in a world where they are often objectified and dehumanized. The film highlights the anxiety and fear that can accompany dating, especially in a time where online interactions make it easier for people to hide their true intentions behind a screen. Steve’s charming facade and his eventual revelation as a predator mirrors the real-life experiences of many women who have encountered men who initially seem perfect but ultimately reveal themselves to be manipulative or abusive.
This interpretation adds layers to the horror of "Fresh." It’s not just about the physical threat Steve poses, but also about the emotional and psychological toll of living in a world where women have to constantly be on guard. The film forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality that for many women, dating can feel like a dangerous game where the stakes are incredibly high.
One of the most fascinating aspects of "Fresh" is Steve's downfall, which is as ironic as it is inevitable. His demise isn’t caused by some grand plan or elaborate scheme; instead, it comes about through something as simple and primal as his own desire. Steve's death is triggered by his request for a blowjob, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the film’s commentary on the power and danger of unchecked lust.
This scene is not just about a physical act; it’s symbolic of the way Steve, and men like him, allow their desires to cloud their judgment and lead them to their own destruction. Steve’s entire character is built around the idea of control—he controls the women he captures, manipulating them physically and psychologically, reducing them to mere objects for his pleasure and profit. Yet, in the end, it’s his own inability to control his lust that leads to his downfall.
What makes this moment so impactful is its simplicity. The film doesn’t need a complex plan or a dramatic confrontation to bring Steve down. Instead, it uses something as basic as a sexual act to show how even the most powerful men can be undone by their own desires. It’s a moment that feels both real and deeply symbolic, emphasizing the theme that lust, when unchecked, can become a man’s greatest weakness.
Moreover, this scene speaks volumes about the power dynamics between men and women. Throughout the film, Steve holds all the power, using his charm and authority to manipulate those around him. But in this final moment, the power shifts. By using his own desire against him, Noa reclaims control, turning the tables on a man who thought he could dominate her.
This moment is also a broader commentary on how society often places men’s desires above all else, suggesting that these desires can be manipulated or used to control them. It’s a sharp and insightful critique of how lust can lead to poor decisions and ultimately, self-destruction. Steve’s downfall is a reminder that those who objectify and exploit others are often their own worst enemies, undone by the very traits they believe give them power.
In the end, Steve’s death is not just a plot point—it’s a culmination of all the themes the film has been building toward. It’s a reminder of the dangers of dehumanization, the fragility of power, and the ways in which unchecked desires can lead to one’s own undoing. It’s a fitting end for a character who spent the entire film seeing others as objects, only to be destroyed by his inability to see past his own base instincts.
xoxo, marie