Playwright Ian MacAllister McDonald’s first feature tells a story about three high schoolstudents from Rhode Island. Matt lives with his older sister, a single mom, and he can’t really rely on her. The eyepatch he’s forced to wear is the object of endless jokes and cruel remarks from his peers. As a matter of fact, his only friend is Elmo, who’s held in equal contempt by the other students. Then one day Jill, a tough, jaded plus-size girl, transfers to their school. Jill is used to dealing with comments about her weight and definitely knows how to fight in a hostile environment. She and Matt quickly become inseparable and their bond evolves into a romantic relationship. When instead of going to Elmo’s “anti-prom” they choose a regular party, a series of teenage misunderstandings and dramas unfolds. Some Freaks is a smart take on the narrative conventions around young social pariahs. A bittersweet tone is used to draw attention to issues around school bullying and marginalizing misfits. The film also delivers a witty and perverse commentary on fat shaming, creating a strong representation of an overweight teenager who defies all stereotypes.
Ian MacAllister McDonald
Ian MacAllister McDonald
Joe Zizzo
Walter Sickert
Thomas Mann, Lily Mae Harrington, Ely Henry, Marin Ireland, Lachlan Buchanan