‘Freaked’ (1993) Review – A Colorful, Zany, And Over-The-Top Special Effects Comedy Gets A Second Life

There are certain films you can tell just by looking at them that they’re heading for the cult status collection at the local video store. Now, some may call this judging a book by its cover. However, when a film is titled Freaked, set on a mutant freakshow farm, then looks are justified. And, audiences in 1993 seemed to think the same, too. However, this oddball and eyeball-popping spectacle amassed a cult following through video rentals and eventually on the internet via a very low-res YouTube video. Now restored to 4K, the film is a zany, practical effect parody. While lacking a real story, it plays like a sketch and ultimately gets by on its charm and crafty earnestness.

A former TV child star, Ricky Coogan (Alex Winter), is finding it difficult to land work. We first meet him on a talk show. He is speaking to the host Skye Daley (Brooke Shields) about his experiences at the mutant freakshow farm. Ricky, who is looking to pay the bills, decides to endorse a toxic chemical product. Ricky, along with his buddy Ernie (Michael Stoyanov), departs for a town in South America, where he falls for Julie (Megan Ward), an environmental activist, and the three end up traveling together. Along the way, they stop off at Freek Land. There, they fall victim to the proprietor and mad scientist Elijah C. Skuggs (Randy Quaid), who transforms them into freaks to be part of his sideshow. While Ernie and Julie become co-joined twins, Ricky transforms into a grotesque green monstrosity. Soon, they band together with the other freaks to escape. 

There is a surrealist quality to Freaked that begins right at the opening credits. It plays like what would now be considered a ’90s mashup of nostalgia. At the time, it feels right out of an MTV sketch. Notably, Winter and Tom Stern, who wrote and directed the film, also wrote for the MTV sketch show, The Idiot Box, so there are some obvious parallels and overlaps brought into Freaked. 

The plot is a jumble of sideshows and set pieces. The story parodies child stardom and corporate nature, with the latter seeming especially appropriate today. For example, the product Ricky is promoting is for a company called Everything But Shoes Corporation, and the product in question is a chemical fertilizer titled “Zygrot 24”. The jokes write themselves, and the film has a ball parodying big business at the time, along with pop culture. 

Notably, the film stacks a pretty impressive cast for such a zany plot. In addition to the faces like Shields and Quaid, people will recognize Mr. T, who is part of the freakshow bridge, along with Morgan Fairchild, who plays the stewardess. There is even an appearance by Keanu Reeves. All the performances are campy, and the script strives for off-center humor to make its point. 

The plot is sparse, and the antics are plenty, but what is memorable about this film is the practical effects. Even thirty years later, the makeup and effects in the movie hold up. Freaked‘s visual success is a credit to the craftsmanship. The movie itself is like a fun house come to life, and the filmmakers cast thrive in that chaotic and wacky atmosphere. Freaked is a film you remember neither for the story nor any performances, but for the eye-popping cotton candy spectacle and whirly-twirl house of mirrors. 

Now, you’re unlikely to be quoting the lines in your sleep, nor seeing Freaked celebrated on a myriad of retrospectives. Still, all the visuals, be it the grossout and grotesque, or the clever and oggling spectacles, make this film at least a memorable and oozy experience. Describing this movie as good is a stretch, but at the very least, it is entertaining, with its zany warts and all. 

Freaked is currently available on Digital platforms courtesy of Drafthouse Films. The film will be available as part of a Collector’s Edition 4K UHD + Blu-ray on November 5th in partnership with Umbrella.