The title Freak Off, written and directed by Ricky Burchell, is an odd one for a music industry-set drama. Even considering the unmistakable ties to ongoing trials within the entertainment sphere, the title doesn’t suggest what the film is actually about. That could be because the titular reference comes almost an hour in. Title oddity aside, does this drama deliver in characterization and story?
Ava (Ayla Demirci) harbors dreams of making it big as a singer. Tonight, thanks to her best friends Isla (Tauria B. Raynor) and Jared (Erick Nathan), Ava is able to pass her demo to Dee (Christopher Davis). He then uses his connections to get it into the hands of hotshot producer Renzo (Burchell). Renzo sees a lot of potential in Ava and brings her on for a complete recording session to prove she has what it takes. While it takes some prodding, Renzo gets the emotions he wants out of her singing. From there, Ava’s career takes off like a rocket, but she leaves her old friends behind. Unfortunately, Renzo is not who he first appears to be, and Ava’s life soon takes a dark turn, which affects her professionally as well.
Freak Off starts off rough. Well, that’s not true. The intercutting of Renzo getting ready for the party and Ava and company preparing for that same shindig is terrific. But once Renzo gets the demo, things happen far too quickly or seem to come out of nowhere. Jared warns Ava not to lose herself, but this is apropos of nothing. There’s no dialogue establishing Renzo as a little shady or some such. No scene exposing Ava as disloyal or ever mean to her friends exists, so where did this come from? Renzo’s wife (?) is instantly jealous of Ava, and that also doesn’t work. A line or two about how he interacts with other potential starlets versus his more flirty ways with Ava would strengthen the accusations of infidelity immensely. This is even more true because that scene where he’s accused of being unfaithful comes before he and Ava do anything beyond collaborating on her music. It is as if the first 20 pages got dropped on their way to the copier and were put back in the wrong order.
Ava (Ayla Demirci) confronts her emotional turmoil as fame begins to take its toll in Freak Off.
“…Renzo is not who he first appears to be, and Ava’s life soon takes a dark turn…”
However, the film does many things right, starting with its cast. Demirci is a good singer and an even better actor. She’s charismatic and absolutely sells the heavy toll of later events. Burchell casts himself in the ugliest role and believably comes across as a talented douche. Raynor and Nathan are sweet, and their chemistry with the leading lady quickly sells the friendship.
Storywise, things get more engaging once Ava’s single becomes a hit. The scenes with the label’s higher-ups feel pulled straight from reality. The introduction of cocaine into Ava’s life is a tense sequence that feels more natural than other depictions of such.
Freak Off is wholly unoriginal, and the plot is a wee bit confusing for the first 20 or so minutes. But once everything is in its proper place, the film feels rooted in reality, which makes the drama feel appropriately weighty. Additionally, the cast is comprised of exceptionally talented performers who thoroughly understand the material and deliver honest, raw portrayals of their respective characters.
For more information, visit the official Breaking Glass Pictures site.
"…the cast is comprised of exceptionally talented performers..."
