The opening title sequence of Freelance is a clever way to introduce the cast, production
team and director John Balazs by splicing their names into a digital editing scenario.
Likewise the film’s tile, as it appears in caps, is made as an online folder. During this
sequence we also see a random collection of low-fi horror videos, which is then edited by
presumably the same person doing all the above online activity. We assume, then, the
person’s hand at the start of the title sequence is Katie (Nicole Pastor).

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Freelance wastes no time continuing with its online tone, opening with Katie at her desk
in her flat, editing porn. Katie’s nondescript facials are quite different to the cliché-excited
sounds of the porn she is editing. But unfortunately upon completing this gig, Katie
discovers that her payment is shortchanged. Letting her boss have it results in Katie
losing this freelance gig entirely.

The film shifts into horror territory when, moments later, Katie receives an anonymous
invitation from online user video773x_xxz to make a lot more money online. However,
payment only comes once Katie has edited the four videos with “scary music.” Although
this seems too good to be true and very sketchy, Katie reluctantly accepts this opportunity
from the mysterious user 773x_xxz and will receive her first package at 3pm the next day.
It’s obvious to the viewer that the videos are not going to be pleasant, which is implied at
the start of the opening sequence. Yet, since the money is generous and occurs within
seconds of the upload, it’s believable why Katie would find this opportunity so attractive,
considering her financial struggles.

For almost a two-hour film, which does not drag at all, Freelance is unique and refreshing
as a contrast to the usual Australian cliché horror style we have seen so much, which
focuses on isolation and the outback. Perhaps it is through the screenplay by
Mike Gerbino, a New Yorker, that the narrative feels “Un- Australian” (not in a negative
sense). Freelance is straightforward with punchy dialogue, making the online dark web
background sinister and believable.

The Australian outback films I refer to begin with Wake in Fright, which is a beautiful
and iconic film but it is very “Australian.” The horror comes from being isolated in the
outback and the tension is from the brutish Australian dialect and demeanour through
the eyes of a tourist. This is also evident in the recent film The Royal Hotel, where two
female tourists are secluded in a male-dominated rural pub. In the same vein but adding
a serial killer to the backdrop, films such as Snowtown and Nitram use violence though
the Australian landscape and dialogue. Although you can connect to the local tongue, I
sometimes find the accent awkwardly funny. Therefore, Gerbino’s screenplay really
excels and make this experience more sophisticated and unique.

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The film’s strength also lies in its female energy. Freelance is reminiscent of the
Australian horror Sissy, involving a social media influencer, brilliantly played by
Aisha Dee. Sissy critiques influencers and content creation online as its source of horror,
its main character becoming obsessed and dangerous through content she’s creating.
Nicole Pastor brings a similar strong female presence as Katie. Pastor is believable and
shows a gradual arc to her character’s mental wellbeing, not to mention great
femininity and strength.

We also meet Katie’s boyfriend Guy (Stephen Degenaro), who calls himself a “cinephile,”
a claim backed up by his crammed collection of Blu-Rays and DVDs presented in a very
Ikea-looking shelf. He is generally just a nice character but does not seem to understand
what Katie is going through. Guy comes across as a classic horror trope, and a bit one-
dimensional. Katie’s other friend Kevin (Jordan Fraser-Trumble), is the suave one with
some complexity and seems to have an interesting impact on Katie’s decision making.
And lastly it would not be a horror film without having a cat in the film. We get to meet
the gorgeous ginger stud “Pav” (Pavarotti), but maybe having a cat in a horror film is a
little obvious, don’t you think?

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Freelance is enjoyable and unique through the screenplay and good characters. Although
you are prepared initially, Freelance does come through with some some twists along the way.

 

Freelance opened Tuesday on VOD.

7 / 10