‘It’s not paranoia if it’s real’
Freelance is a 2024 horror thriller about a down-on-her-luck video editor who takes on a mysterious, well-paying job cutting snuff films and becomes haunted by visions of the people in her videos.
Directed by and co-produced by John Balazs (Black Site; Rage) from a screenplay by Mike Gerbino (Body Farm; The Spotter). It was also produced by Vikki Blinks and Marlane Ghmed.
The Prima Lux Films-La Rosa Productions movie stars Nicole Pastor, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Stephen Degenaro, Jasper Bagg and Hannah Brooke.
Reviews:
“While it offers occasional belly laughs from the absurdity of this being the reality of things, beyond the 8MM-esque specifics, it mainly exists as a dramatic indictment of a capitalist system that engenders this exact “whatever pays the bills” mentality in its populace. Anchored by a truly outstanding lead performance from Nicole Pastor, it’s a psycho-thriller that uses cramped production values to craft its story of paranoia, guilt, death, and the almighty dread of knowing that the first of the month is right around the corner.” 8.5/10, FilmInk
“Freelance never quite measures up to the heartbreak of 8MM, but what does? On its own, minus the opening credits, the movie’s an intense thriller about the depraved things money makes everyone do. The cast sells the vileness of the snuff films well, and the ending is a masterstroke of storytelling, leaving the audience satisfied and intrigued.” 9/10 Film Threat
“Above-par, slow-burn psychological thriller that serves up an increasingly taut cautionary tale about the invasive, insidious, persuasive nature of anonymous online culture […] Written by Mike Gerbino and directed with a sureness of touch by John Balazs, the film’s measured pace delivers moments of horror and of menacing quiet in equal measure.” ★★★½ Jim Schembri
“Freelance feels like it belongs in the early 2000s, but the creative editing and writing keep us grounded in today’s filmmaking. My only issue is with the almost 2 hour run time, but I think that’s because I just wanted to verify if my theories were correct about who, or what is behind all the mystery videos […] Give Freelance a chance, especially if you’re into dark web-focused films.” ★★★★ Maddwolf
“Freelance demands introspection regarding whether our own appetites for sex and violence in the content that we watch have stained our minds and souls. Balazs doesn’t provide any easy answers, but with Freelance he does deliver challenging questions in a satisfyingly challenging psychological thriller.” ★★★★ Matt’s Movie Reviews
“Freelance is a terrifying and all too believable nightmare, and thanks to Nicole Pastor’s brilliant lead performance you can’t help but be drawn into the madness. You may also have a sudden urge to turn off the Wi-Fi.” 8/10 The Movie Moustache
“Actor Nicole Pastor delivers a performance that feels new and different compared to her past work in movies and is easily one of the film’s best aspects. Another strength is the visuals, locations, and sound effects, and the film’s score by Kai Chen Lim is truly a perfect match for the film. The film’s third act and finale are also heightened with its various reveals, twists, gruesome climax and showdown.” ★★★½ Walken Entertainment
Trailer:
Release date:
Available on Digital and On Demand on January 28, 2025, via Gravitas Ventures.
Tech specs:
1 hour 50 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.35: 1
Notes:
Not to be confused with the John Cena film of the same name.
