Sebastian Stan's Chilling Performance in Unconventional Cannibal Thriller

Director Mimi Cave makes her feature film debut with Fresh (2022), a thrilling dark comedy starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s cinematic universe. Through the use of intimate close-up shots and vibrant cinematography, the film begins innocently enough with the two leads navigating a new romance. However, as the opening credits roll in after the first half hour, the film takes a dark turn, weaving together familiar elements of modern love stories with unexpected plot twists and wry humor, resulting in a uniquely twisted thriller.

What Is Fresh About?

Noa, the disillusioned protagonist in her twenties, goes on a date with a man from an online dating app who insults her after criticizing her choice of clothing and demanding her food. Fed up with the superficiality of swipe-right culture, Noa is left disenchanted with the idea of love. However, her perspective changes after meeting the charming and attractive plastic surgeon named Steve in the produce aisle of a supermarket. The initial moments of their meeting follow the typical rom-com formula, as they bond over shared experiences, cherries, and dancing.

Excited about the prospect of a romantic weekend getaway, Noa agrees to go away with Steve despite her best friend's reservations. However, Steve changes the plans at the last minute and suggests they spend the night at his place due to bad traffic. Once they arrive, Noa realizes that there is no cell service and she cannot contact anyone. Her situation takes a terrifying turn when Steve drugs her and she wakes up to find herself imprisoned in a room. Steve reveals that he is a cannibal who plans to slowly mutilate her and sell her meat to wealthy clients, promising to keep her alive as long as possible to ensure the meat is fresh.

The movie not only addresses the dangers of modern dating but also sheds light on the objectification of women's bodies. The antagonist's view of women as mere pieces of meat highlights the entitlement that some men feel to dominate the food chain. Even the humorous yet cringe-worthy opening scene features a man who casually makes sexist remarks about femininity.

Fresh does not overly emphasize these issues, but rather showcases the everyday struggles that women face. For instance, when Noa returns to her car after her date, she is constantly looking over her shoulder, feeling paranoid that someone is following her.

What Is Sebastian Stan's Character?

Sebastian Stan delivers a chilling performance as Steve, a charming yet calculated individual who seamlessly transitions from using cheesy pick-up lines to brutally murdering his ex-girlfriends while bopping along to upbeat music. His ease in committing such heinous acts is reminiscent of American Psycho's Patrick Bateman, and he carefully selects his victims to ensure that they have no ties to their families. Despite his magnetic persona, Steve's past remains shrouded in mystery, and Mollie warns Noa of the red flags raised by his lack of social media presence. It's not until Mollie discovers his marriage to Ann and her prosthetic leg that the true extent of Steve's manipulation and violence is revealed.

How Does Fresh End?

Noa attempts to escape from Steve's captivity but fails, resulting in Steve punishing her by surgically removing her buttocks. She changes her approach and feigns an interest in cannibalism to gain Steve's trust. Steve prepares her meals with human meat and even buys her a dress for a romantic dinner. Unbeknownst to Noa, Mollie, another captive, has also been taken by Steve. When Noa recognizes Mollie's phone among Steve's personal belongings, the third act of Fresh becomes even more intense. Noa seduces Steve and lures him into his bedroom before attacking him, freeing the other captives, and attempting to escape. Steve pursues them with a gun but is ultimately defeated by Noa.

Ann arrives on the scene to find her husband's lifeless body. Upon encountering Noa, she makes an attempt to strangle her before being met with fatal retribution from Mollie. As the two friends lay exhausted and defeated on the ground, Noa humorously expresses her disbelief at Steve's marital status. The closing scene depicts a text message appearing on Noa's phone ("U up?") from her date from the initial scene.