A Look at Fresh, Charm, and Trust Issues

Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead for the movie Fresh. Proceed with caution!

I am really bad at watching movies and tv shows when they premiere. I have gotten really good at avoiding media, press, or conversations that could potentially spoil something I might watch months down the road. The life of a Marvel fan, right? 

I recently asked  some friends for recommendations; they suggested I watch Fresh. So when I sat down one night to watch it, I knew nothing other than what they told me: “It’s like a commentary on dating in today’s world … I would describe it as a dark comedy/dating movie with a twist…the Winter Soldier is in it; just watch it.” I don’t usually like dating movies (because personally, I happen to hate dating) but I trusted my friends. They knew me, right?  

No. No. Nope. Absolutely not. I was not prepared. This … this movie. Just, no! How could my friends do that to me? A dating movie with a twist? This was a bait and switch. Not amused!

When Daisy Edgar Jones’ Noa said, “ We put all our hopes of finding happiness through someone else … maybe it’s not meant for me because I’ve been alone for so long. I’m actually good at it,” I was so excited! I felt like those words could have come from me. My stupid, naive, little self actually thought, “Maybe the twist is that Noa realizes she doesn’t need a man. She dumps the seemingly-perfect Steve (Sebastian Stan) and has a fantastic life on her own”. 

So imagine my shock when the twist turns out to be cannibalism! But, no, not just cannibalism. Steve is basically meal prepping for wealthy men who have a taste for female flesh. Despite the plot, Mimi Cave’s impressive feature film directorial debut is too mesmerizing to turn off. This was a huge problem for me because I was torn between loving everything about the cinematography, cast, and soundtrack and squirming in my seat, shuddering over the subject matter (I don’t like horror, so I never would have chosen this movie on my own). I must admit though, it was a great movie.

The biggest problem I had with this film, however, is Sebastian Stan. I am sorry, but how can he be so charming and sincere while discussing how he became a cannibal. It’s just not right. How does the guy manage to look so fun and attractive as he dances while doing his … let’s call it “meal prepping.” 

The drama nerd and wannabe-actress in me was blown away by the performance. I love when an actor can play dark and twisted so well, and this was Anthony Hopkins-level good. But come on, he seems a little too at ease and alluring while playing an unhinged cannibal. Sorry, I have trust issues.  

Sebastian Stan (and this movie in general) has now given me the push I needed to step away from the dating field indefinitely. As previously mentioned, I already hated dating before watching Fresh—the small talk, empty compliments, and feigning interest while secretly fantasizing about going home and watching Bridgerton. Moving forward, how can I swipe on a guy’s profile and not subconsciously think, “Is he too nice?  Is he too charming? Is he literally going to eat me?” Time to delete the apps. I’m sorry, but you just can’t be too careful these days. 

Fresh has led me to do what Noa should have done from the start: declare that I don’t need a man. I am good alone, and I’m going to have an amazing cannibal-free life! So, to all the boys I never loved: it’s not me, it’s you. And to Sebastian Stan, thank you for helping me come to this realization. I owe you one!