Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top, foul-mouthed slasher comedy goes for the gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Freaky
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a gory horror-comedy filled with extreme violence, strong language, and brief sexual content, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. While many enjoyed its humor and entertaining plot, they noted the importance of parental discretion due to the intensity of its scenes and themes.
- intense violence
- strong language
- sexual content
- parental discretion
- entertaining plot
- good for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In FREAKY, Millie (Kathryn Newton) is an awkward high schooler who's struggling through her senior year when she becomes the latest victim of serial killer Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn). But rather than die, Millie switches bodies with her middle-aged slayer, who, in turn, is caught in her teenage body. High school hijinks, mayhem, murder, and some real freaky stuff ensues. Director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Paranormal Activity) is behind this dark slasher comedy.
Is It Any Good?
Vaughn steals more than a body in this snarky, over-the-top mashup -- he steals the whole show. He takes on the lightness of a teen girl with aplomb in a fun, fresh take on what had become a tired genre: the body-swap comedy. His performance is somewhat similar to Jack Black's in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle -- and it's equally hilarious. When mid-swap, Vaughn -- as Millie -- makes a romantic connection with her crush, it's absurdly and hysterically touching. Alas, the same can't be said for Newton. Once she becomes the serial killer, she stalks around with a hardened stare. It does the job, but given Vaughn's familiar physicality and vocal tics, it's disappointing that she doesn't take the opportunity to truly "become" him. (For inspiration, she could have turned to the 2003 Freaky Friday, where Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan gleefully nailed each other's mannerisms and speech patterns.)
Freaky's dialogue really gets a kick out of itself. It's a snark buffet, including naming the ravaged town Blissfield and its high school football team mascot "the biting beavers." While that might elicit a snort of appreciation, its not quite as clever as intended. The sweet spot is really in the campy, ridiculous deaths. The serial killer is imaginative and resourceful, using whatever he finds around him to murder teens -- including a toilet seat. Blood spurts, splatters, sprays, and gushes so unbelievable that it becomes farce. It's a wacky film that's full of gasps and squeals: your own. To get the most out of it, watch with a friend, or even better, a room full of them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Freaky acknowledges the clichés of both slasher films and body-swap comedies. How does it compare to both? What other genres would you like to see mashed together?
How does the film upend traditional gender roles? On the other hand, did you notice characters playing into stereotypes? Do stereotypes work for this type of film?
How does the violence in Freaky compare to other horror films? Because this is a comedy, do you think the violence has the same impact? Were you scared or grossed out?
How do Millie and her friends demonstrate teamwork? Do you think they should have gone to an adult?
Families can also discuss how Millie is bullied, including when she finds the writing on the bathroom wall. What can be done to counteract cruel behavior?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 13, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2021
- Cast : Kathryn Newton , Vince Vaughn , Alan Ruck
- Director : Christopher Landon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody horror violence, sexual content, and language throughout
- Last updated : February 20, 2026
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