Unfortunately, she is not as quick to ditch this creep as she thought she would be. Steve quickly sweeps her off her feet and starts treating her like a regular girl, which only makes things worse.
This is a horror movie.
Noa is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. She has faced down many challenges in her life, including being hurt by Steve, and she will do whatever it takes to protect herself and her loved ones. Despite the pain that Steve has caused her, Noa will continue to fight for what she believes in, even if it means facing down her captor.
Director Mimi Cave’s debut feature film, “Steve”, is a suspenseful and well-made movie that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. The story is familiar, but with Cave’s expert direction, it still manages to be exciting and unique.
While much of the film’s focus is on Noa and Steve, there is still room for other characters to make their presence known. Jojo T. Gibbs is a standout as Noa’s best friend Mollie, a woman who has every right to be suspicious of Noa’s latest beau.
Mollie’s gal pal goes missing, and Mollie begins to search for her with the help of her bartender ex-boyfriend, Paul. The two of them are involved in a plot that leads to more shocks and surprises along the way. We also meet Steve’s wife Ann, a disarmingly sweet woman who seems to be unaware of what her husband likes to get up to when he is away from home.
Fresh is a dark and twisted thriller that manages to keep things fresh throughout its almost two-hour running time. The cast is good, the plot twisty, and the moments of black comedy are refreshing. It’s an enjoyable watch, largely because it’s not as horrific as it could have been. There are scenes of gore but as these aren’t overdone, you won’t be forced to cover your eyes or put aside your Saturday night takeaway while watching.
In the film’s final third, things get more conventional. As expected, a rescue attempt is made and the tables are turned on Steve before he has the opportunity to get the better of Noa. The film transitions into standard thriller mode and jettisons some of the shock value moments that came before it. However, before predictability has the chance to fully set in, more plot twists occur and the film manages to surprise once again.
Fresh is a horror movie that is about dating and the risks we take when we decide to swipe right (or strike up a conversation with somebody at the fruit & veg aisle). It is probably not the best horror movie you will see this year, but it is a movie that will satisfy your particular appetite.
The ending of the novel is a surprise that left many readers on the edge of their seats. The reveal of the killer’s identity and the resolution of the case left many questions unanswered.
