Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Expressive coming-of-age story has nudity, drug use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Los Frikis
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LOS FRIKIS follows Gustavo (Eros de la Puente), an 18-year-old Cuban who decides to follow his rebellious, punk-rock older brother Paco (Héctor Medina) into a sanitarium for HIV-infected people after their family escapes Cuba for America. Paco is part of a group that intentionally contracted HIV in order to live together in the sanitarium, where they feel they'll have a better quality of life than if they were on the streets and/or working in the fields. While living in the sanitarium, Gustavo learns about love, life, and loss, as well as how things change the more he tries to preserve them.
Is It Any Good?
This drama tells a story that many viewers are likely unfamiliar with, which helps make it a unique viewing experience. It sheds light on the restrictions of the Castro regime, including the ban on rock music that was enacted in the 1960s and made many view musicians with suspicion for decades afterward. Because their expression and ways of life were being oppressed, punk rockers felt like living in sanitariums might be their only chance at a humane life, since the institutions had to give patients daily meals and health care. The sanitariums were also, for the most part, off the grid, so punk rockers felt like they could finally express their art without government interference.
The film beautifully tells this story through the characters of Gustavo and Paco, two brothers who couldn't be more different but are bonded by their love for each other. Medina is electric and intense as Paco, while de la Puente gives an earnest, soulful performance as Gustavo. Although Los Frikis doesn't focus on the queer experiences in Cuban sanitariums as much as some viewers might expect, it does show how the people in the sanitariums could become judgment-free chosen families. Overall, Los Frikis is a stirring representation of how family and resilience can help people survive and have hope, even during the bleakest times.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Cuba's history. What does Los Frikis teach viewers about Cuba's political state during the 1990s?
How does the film highlight brotherhood and friendship? How do characters demonstrate teamwork and perseverance?
How are women portrayed in the film?
How does the film address the HIV crisis of the early 1990s?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2025
- Cast : Adria Arjona , Héctor Medina , Eros de la Puente
- Directors : Tyler Nilson , Michael Schwartz
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Cuban Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Falling Forward Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, sexual content, some graphic nudity and drug use
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate