Some Freaks: A Movie for the Misfits

Ah, “Some Freaks,” a film that waltzes into your life and asks you to embrace your inner weirdo. It’s got that vibe, you know, like when you’re fika-ing with an old friend and discussing life’s oddities. Director Ian MacAllister McDonald’s debut takes a crack at what it means to be different, and it really makes you think about those awkward teenage years. Is it just me, or did we all feel like aliens in high school?

Thomas Mann—no, not the “Buddenbrooks” author, but the actor—leads this flick with an awkward charm that reminds me of my own teenage years. Then there’s Lily Mae Harrington, who gives us a refreshing take as the unapologetically herself Jill. These characters feel like they could step right out of a Swedish small town: real, raw, and sometimes a bit ‘snurrig’ for their own good.

I remember, back in ’95 maybe? At a summer camp, I knew someone like Matt, the one-eyed protagonist, who made us all laugh till our stomachs hurt. It’s funny how you never notice what makes someone different until they point it out. “Some Freaks” dives deep into this, showing the weight these differences can carry, and it does so without feeling like the usual Hollywood fluff. It’s more like a heartfelt indie gem, with that inklings of discomfort and beauty mixed in.

But, and here’s a big men, at times the pacing felt like a Stockholm winter—dragging and heavy. You’ll see moments where you wish they’d cut the introspective looks a bit. And the ending? Well, I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions, much like when you try surströmming for the first time—you’re never quite sure what to expect.

What resonates most is the film’s emphasis on identity and belonging. It whispers to us all—maybe we’re all freaks, finding our own tribe, one weird step at a time. Keep this one on your radar, watch it when you’re feeling reflective, with a strong cup of kaffe and a cinnamon bun close by.

Check the trailer below