Freelance (2025) - Film Review

      Freelance, 2025.

      Directed by John Balazs.

      Featuring Nicole Pastor, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Stephen Degenaro, Jasper Bagg, and Hannah Brooke.

      SYNOPSIS

      When a struggling video editor finds herself taking on a mysterious, lucrative job editing snuff films, she becomes haunted by visions of the individuals in her footage.

      While prominent indie distributors like A24 and Neon are breaking new ground with inventive and captivating horror, it has always struck me as odd that many low-budget indie studios catering to the streaming market (which we used to label straight to video) seem more focused on creating films based on well-known public domain characters, creatures, or natural disasters, most of which turn out poorly.

      Nevertheless, some indie filmmakers operating below the seven-figure budget mark are attempting to engage audiences beyond mere cheap thrills, leading us to Freelance, John Balazs’ mystery horror that boasts an intriguing premise and aims for greatness. The real question is, does it succeed?

      Nicole Pastor plays Katie, a freelancer struggling to make ends meet while trying to fund her daily coffee routine and friend-zoning a couple of overly eager male friends in the process. She occasionally works on editing adult films, which deters potential employers looking for editors for commercial content. As a freelancer myself, I am well aware of the feast or famine cycle, and the film aptly captures the frustrations of this lifestyle with a touch of dry humor. A mysterious editing job arrives at her door, but as Katie delves deeper into it, she begins to suspect something horrifying is at play.

      At 110 minutes long, Balazs takes a calculated risk, opting for his own pacing rather than the succinct 90 minutes (or less) often favored by indie distributors. The film immerses us quickly in Katie’s struggles, gradually increasing the unsettling tension as she embarks on her new job. The development of Katie and her key relationships is handled adeptly, featuring strong dialogue and a cast that fits their roles well—no one feels out of place or like they're merely filling a minor part.

      For the most part, Balazs justifies that 110-minute runtime and, more importantly, creates a sense of dread and tension that culminates in a gripping final act. The film succeeds in drawing us in, keeping us invested with its intriguing and well-crafted plot (Gerbino’s script, which is adapted from a short film he also directed). The sound design (by Adam Armstrong and Hafeed Jraybee), cinematography (by David Chan), and score (by Kai Chen Lim) are all superb and play a significant role in fostering an atmosphere of constant unease. Throughout, the movie includes surprising twists, leaving the audience guessing about its direction.

      For everything to succeed in a film so closely centered on Katie, Nicole Pastor bore significant responsibility. She delivers an outstanding performance—dry, charismatic, and sardonic, with an emotional shield that keeps others at a distance, while grappling with self-doubt, guilt, and the occasional sense of hopelessness. As she descends further into her grim job of editing potential snuff films, her performance becomes even more compelling. It is an exceptional portrayal that elevates this film beyond others at the same budget level, making it worthy of a broader and more discerning audience.

      Those who appreciate films like Censor and Berberian Sound Studio will likely enjoy this one, which also channels elements reminiscent of Lynch and Cronenberg. It serves as a valuable example of producing something genuinely worthwhile at a challenging budget, rather than simply cranking out something for a quick profit. Seek out this (hopefully not overly well-hidden) gem, currently available for streaming in the US, UK, and Australia.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Tom Jolliffe