Imagine - Freaks

Holed up in their house, a father and pre-teen daughter live together. He tells her the world is unsafe for someone like her, but when an ice cream vendor takes her out she”s more than willing to see for herself. However, this also unleashes hidden powers and secrets. Thoughtful coming-of-age superhero movie focuses on characters and offers a stance on outsiders.

Freaks is a fresh, no-frills take on X-Men that chooses to focus on character - rather than world building and effects - until the no-holds-barred ending, that is. The film makes the most of its low budget setting with a stellar performance from young actress Lexy Kolker, and Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern working magic in the background. The father-daughter dynamic and their power shift are superb. The film switches from mystery to action film, but never loses its focus and also offers a stance on the lives of outsiders. A thoughtful coming of age superhero movie.