What initially presents itself as unsettling body horror involving ants transforms into a gripping psychological thriller that delves into a deeply troubling family history, unraveling layers of trauma and personal struggle.
INTRIGUING PLOT SUMMARY: The narrative centers around a motivational speaker who is plagued by an incessant itch on the back of her head, leading her into a spiral of psychological unease and existential inquiry.
DETAILED REVIEW OF CONTROL FREAK: The trend of body horror is experiencing a resurgence in modern cinema, and thankfully, numerous films are emerging each year that effectively leverage this captivating genre. As a fan of several Hulu Horror projects like The Mill and Mr. Crocket, my anticipation for this latest offering is palpable. The incorporation of body horror elements adds a particularly intriguing layer since the genre is rich with various pathways to explore the unsettling and grotesque. Control Freak masterfully intertwines metaphorical themes with tangible monsters, resulting in an experience that is both unique and thought-provoking.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS: VAL’S JOURNEY: The film follows Val, a motivational speaker, as she grapples with an unyielding itch on her head that symbolizes deeper psychological turmoil. With a complex family background, she is compelled to confront her past to find a solution. Meanwhile, her husband, Robbie, is eager to start a family, but Val hesitates to commit to that path. Like many self-help professionals, Val professes about discovering her true self, yet she inadvertently avoids confronting her familial history, which is crucial to her self-discovery. This creates a fascinating internal conflict, as her obstacles seem largely self-imposed. Ultimately, the film serves as a showcase for her performance as she navigates these challenges.
PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS: KELLY MARIE TRAN’S ROLE: Initially, Kelly Marie Tran’s performance feels slightly uneven, particularly in her portrayal of the motivational speaker, which comes across as somewhat artificial and lacking authenticity. Her more introspective and investigative moments resonate well; however, her speeches seem awkward, almost robotic. If this was an intentional choice, it didn’t resonate with me, as it detracted from her overall believability. Fortunately, as the film progresses, she finds her footing, particularly excelling in scenes depicting her descent into madness. Additionally, Miles Robbins, whom I admire from his roles in Halloween (2018) and Daniel Isn’t Real, appears as her supportive partner, complementing Tran’s performance effectively.
UNIQUE HORROR ELEMENTS: ANTS IN CONTROL FREAK: Rarely do we see ants take center stage in horror films, as spiders often dominate the genre. Control Freak effectively positions ants as formidable creatures, deserving recognition in the realm of creepy-crawly cinema. The film features numerous instances of these insects, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. However, despite the marketing that might suggest otherwise, the ants serve more as a vehicle for deeper themes. The visual effects range from somewhat cheesy to surprisingly impressive; while the ant-like monster initially appears corny, it becomes more captivating once it morphs into a long-limbed, dark figure. Its oddness is undeniable, yet it effectively enhances the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Horror TROPES AND INNOVATION IN STORYTELLING: The film employs several familiar horror tropes, such as the overused “waking from a dream” sequence. While this might feel clichéd, the film avoids excessive reliance on these devices. I was particularly impressed by how writer/director Shal Ngo crafted the climax, which, though slightly predictable, does not undermine the film’s overall message. Each time I anticipated the narrative veering too far into predictability, it skillfully reined itself back. Notably, there’s a gripping device that restrains a character’s arms while they sleep, a concept that induced my anxiety due to its unsettling implications.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON CONTROL FREAK: Although Control Freak doesn’t carve out new territory in its narrative framework, it showcases outstanding performances from its emerging cast and presents striking visuals that enhance the viewing experience. I appreciate a touch of the bizarre in my body horror films, and while it doesn’t push boundaries too far, it ventures into unsettling territory that may alienate more conventional viewers. Despite its minor flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Control Freak, which evolves from a tale of internal struggle into a genuinely thrilling monster movie featuring profoundly disturbing moments.
CONTROL FREAK IS SET TO RELEASE ON HULU ON MARCH 14TH, 2025.
