Review: Freaks

Freaks (1932)

I first heard of this movie on another horror review website, so I thought of it in my head as part of the broader genre of spooky movies, but really it is unfair to call this movie "horror". I dont believe the overall point of the movie is to scare, although there are some things that could be shocking and the climactic scene is creepy as all hell, but overall this is actually a really touching story about misunderstood people. The film is about a group of circus performers and living sideshow attractions and the various love affairs and . It is incredibly humanizing and touching to see the interactions between these characters. The sideshow folks have their own family and are very protective of their kind. The true antagonist in the film is one of the non-freak circus performers who is taking advantage of one of the little people and his feelings for her. His fiancé who also shares his stature and Bavarian heritage is so heartbreaking in this as she stands by him even as he ignores her. This is a must-see for fans of any and all cinema. It is ahead of its time in the respectful and warm depiction of people who are marginalized into being a curiosity but without being patronizing or taking pity on them. And besides all that its just a really well put together and engrossing movie.

Share a laughing cup with your friends and family

Pour a little of each wine or whatever bottle everyone brought into the biggest goblet or bowl you have handy, pass it around so everyone can take a swig while chanting the following " one of us! One of us! Gooba-gabba gooba-gabba!" We're all freaks on the inside.