Freak Show
IFC Films | Release Date: January 12, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
54
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
3
Mixed:
6
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Village VoiceSerena DonadoniJan 9, 2018
[A] bitterly funny and warmly empathetic first feature. Read full review
75
ObserverRex ReedJan 16, 2018
The results are a mixed bag of charm and calamity, marking the feature-length directorial debut of Trudie Styler who, in real life, is the wife of singing star Sting. She’s a talent worth watching. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshJan 18, 2018
Freak Show is carried by a fully committed performance from Lawther, who quivers and swans and roars like the best of the Hollywood grand dames. Read full review
60
EmpireHelen O'HaraJun 25, 2018
Lawther’s a charismatic, uncompromising lead, and Billy’s campaign is an inspiring one, but this sometimes settles for broad strokes of heroism or villainy where more subtlety would have increased its impact. Read full review
50
Arizona RepublicBarbara VanDenburghJan 25, 2018
That Freak Show is not the joyous gay party it aspires to be is a testament to squandered opportunities. For all the aces up its sleeve, Freak Show never quite lets its freak flag fly. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyJan 11, 2018
What keeps it reasonably engaging...is an appealing central performance from Alex Lawther. Read full review
50
Screen DailySarah WardJan 11, 2018
Freak Show’s formula, fabulousness and feel-good messaging doesn’t sparkle so much as soak up the glow of its obvious predecessors. Read full review
50
The New York TimesGlenn KennyJan 11, 2018
Mr. Lawther is sympathetic and appealing as Billy, but Ms. Styler seems to mistake broad strokes for stylistic daring, and her colorful but diffuse movie never jells. Read full review
40
VarietyGuy LodgeJan 11, 2018
Freak Show...doesn’t exhibit an understanding of queer identity that goes much deeper than the sheer sequined fabulosity of Billy’s image. Read full review
38
Movie NationRoger MooreAug 20, 2020
It’s not terrible, just irritating. Freak Show is too busy flying the white flag, surrendering to the obvious, to ever let its freak flag fly. Read full review
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54 Critic Reviews

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