We Are The Freaks

The misadventures of three misfit mates provide the basis of a likable, breezy British teen comedy in We Are The Freaks. The third feature from Justin Edgar may try a little too hard to appear hipper than thou but it offers a fantastic showcase for a talented, charismatic young cast who make the most of the script’s jocular wit. The impressive performances and buzz of energy in the film help overcome a certain air of familiarity and a slight running time suggesting modest theatrical potential for Metrodome who will release in the UK.

Initially focusing on Jack, We Are The Freaks adopts a knowing, self-referential approach in his direct to camera speeches and cynical asides.

Set in November 1990 when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher left office, the film has echoes of everything from stalwart British television favourites (Skins, The Inbetweeners) to such cult features as Trainspotting and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Jack (Blackley) is working in a bank, reading Bukowski and dreaming of heading off to university.

Chunks (Sean Teale) is one of the idle rich, happy to indulge his lack of ambition. Parsons (Bailey) is staggering under the weight of his parents’ expectations, his girlfriend’s demands and a troubling sexual attraction to Margaret Thatcher. Over the course of an eventful evening they all learn lessons about life, love and the unpredictability of the adult world.

Initially focusing on Jack, We Are The Freaks adopts a knowing, self-referential approach in his direct to camera speeches and cynical asides. The tone changes as it blossoms into an ensemble piece that lightly conveys the end of an era in the political life of Britain and garlands the story with a soundtrack that includes New Order, the Happy Mondays and The Cramps.

Jamie Blackley, Sean Teale, Mike Bailey all display the expert comic timing, confidence and talent that should earn them a bright future.