If you've ever wondered what happens when you mix Pedro Pascal, neo-Nazi punks, and a debt collector with a sword, Freaky Tales has your answer. This wild, pulpy anthology film, set in 1987 Oakland, is the latest from indie darlings Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson). After premiering at Sundance in 2024 to a mix of cheers and raised eyebrows, it's finally hitting theaters in April 2025. And let me tell you, this isn't your average nostalgia trip—it's a fever dream of revenge, music, and bloody showdowns.
Freaky Tales is a love letter to the late '80s, but it's not the kind you'd send to your mom. It's more like a mixtape you'd sneak to your cool older cousin, packed with edgy humor, gory kills, and sly twists. The film weaves together four interconnected stories, each more outrageous than the last. There's a basketball player seeking revenge after a robbery, a female rap duo taking on the world, and—yes—Pedro Pascal as a debt collector who's apparently “slicing people up with a sword.” (I mean, who wouldn't want to see that?)
The cast is a who's who of talent: Ben Mendelsohn as a corrupt cop, Jay Ellis as an NBA star, Normani and Dominique Thorne as the rap duo, and even Tom Hanks in a role that's still under wraps. Add in the late Angus Cloud in one of his final performances, and you've got a film that's as much about the people as it is about the chaos.
Boden and Fleck have always had a knack for character-driven stories (Half Nelson remains a masterpiece), but here they're flexing their genre muscles. The trailer promises explosive action, neon-lit visuals, and a soundtrack that'll make you wish you had a time machine. Executive produced by hip-hop legend Too $hort, the film feels like a love letter to Oakland's cultural heyday, even as it dives headfirst into its darker corners.
But let's be real: the real draw here is Pedro Pascal. Fresh off The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, he's become the internet's favorite dad, and Freaky Tales seems to be his chance to let loose. Whether he's wielding a sword or just looking perpetually cool, Pascal is the glue holding this madness together.
Conclusion
Freaky Tales isn't just a movie—it's an experience. It's the kind of film that doesn't just want to entertain you; it wants to grab you by the collar and drag you into its world. Whether it's the gory action, the killer soundtrack, or the sheer audacity of its storytelling, this is one wild ride you won't want to miss.
So, mark your calendars for April 4, 2025, and ask yourself: are you ready to get freaky?
Personal Impressions
As someone who's been following Boden and Fleck's career since Half Nelson, I'm thrilled to see them take on something this bold. Freaky Tales feels like a departure from their usual introspective style, but it's a welcome one. The trailer alone is a sensory overload, and if the film delivers on even half of its promises, it'll be a standout of 2025. That said, I'm curious to see how the anthology format holds up—will the stories feel cohesive, or will they clash? Either way, I'm here for it.
What's your favorite Pedro Pascal role so far, and do you think Freaky Tales could top it?
