What Is Some Freaks About?
The premise of Some Freaks in 290 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet town of Providence, Rhode Island, the corridors of Benjamin Franklin High hum with the restless energy of senior year. Among the graduating class, a shy teenager with a noticeable physical difference finds himself drawn to a vibrant classmate whose confidence is as loud as the punk music she loves. Their unlikely connection blossoms against a backdrop of lockers, late‑night study sessions, and the ever‑present pressure of impending adulthood.
Jill brings a fierce sense of self‑acceptance that both challenges and inspires those around her, while Matt balances his own insecurities—marked by a visible scar that reminds him of how others see him. Their friendship is mirrored by Elmo, a quieter presence whose hidden truth adds another layer of complexity to the trio’s dynamic. As graduation looms, the three navigate the bittersweet mix of anticipation and nostalgia, each confronting the ways they have been defined by appearance and expectation.
When Matt finally steps beyond the familiar walls of his hometown, he discovers that Jill has embarked on a personal journey of transformation. Their reunion sparks both excitement and unease, as the changes they each undergo threaten to reshape the fragile equilibrium of their bond. The film lingers on the tension between attraction and authenticity, inviting the audience to wonder whether love can endure when the outward forms that first drew two people together begin to shift.
Set in a world that feels both intimately specific and universally relatable, the story unfolds with a tender, observant tone. It paints a portrait of adolescence where acceptance, beauty, and the courage to love beyond surface-level perceptions are explored with quiet humor and heartfelt compassion, leaving viewers eager to see how the characters will reconcile the evolving landscapes of their identities and desires.
What Happens in Some Freaks?
The complete story of Some Freaks, from the first scene to the last, in 335 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
At Benjamin Franklin High School in Rhode Island, an unexpected friendship flourishes among three distinct individuals: Jill, a punk rock enthusiast weighing 250 pounds; Matt, a one-eyed classmate navigating life with a skin-toned eyepatch; and Elmo, a quiet and unassuming soul who harbors a significant secret about his sexuality. As graduation approaches, the bond between Matt and Jill grows stronger, leaving Elmo feeling increasingly isolated. Following their high school graduation, Jill relocates to California, where she dedicates six months to losing 50 pounds in private. Meanwhile, Matt finds himself back in their hometown, working as a dishwasher and saving up to buy a prosthetic eye to transform his appearance for good.
When Matt unexpectedly visits Jill on her West Coast campus, he is taken aback by her stunning transformation, while Jill is equally surprised by the change in Matt’s looks. However, as Matt spends the week with her, it becomes clear that he struggles to embrace her new, healthier lifestyle. This tension finally erupts into a fierce argument, leading to a painful breakup. In that moment, Jill warns him adamantly, > “Never contact me again.”
In the wake of her separation from Matt, Patrick, the school’s charismatic golden boy, approaches Jill with an invitation to dinner. Initially, she turns him down, but after some persuasion from friends, she decides to reconsider. As they prepare for a fraternity party known as the “Cattle Call,” Jill feels anxious about the expectations of being weighed publicly and participating in the night’s wild activities. Fortunately, Patrick proves to be a supportive ally, standing up for her when she refuses to undergo the humiliating weighing ritual.
As the evening progresses, Patrick’s older brother makes an appearance, whispering mysterious instructions that leave Jill feeling uncomfortable. As they move to an upstairs room, she senses that something is off. When Patrick struggles in an intimate moment and backs out, Jill retreats, only to accidentally discover Patrick’s older brother in a compromising situation, which leaves her feeling even more distressed and out of place.
Some Freaks Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Friendship Formation” to “Discovery of Distress”. 10 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Friendship Formation
At Benjamin Franklin High School, a unique friendship blossoms among three students: Jill, Matt, and Elmo. Despite their differences, they bond over their experiences in high school, with each of them contributing to the group dynamic.
Where:Benjamin Franklin High School, Rhode Island
- 2
Growing Bonds
As graduation approaches, the connection between Jill and Matt deepens, leading to a sense of camaraderie that brings them closer together. However, Elmo begins to feel left out and isolated as their friendship evolves.
Where:Benjamin Franklin High School, Rhode Island
- 3
Jill's Transformation
After high school graduation, Jill moves to California, motivated to change her lifestyle. She commits to losing 50 pounds over the next six months, focusing on personal growth and transformation away from her friends.
Where:California
- 4
Matt's New Goals
Back in their hometown, Matt navigates life as a dishwasher while saving money for a prosthetic eye. His desire for a new appearance reflects his struggle with self-acceptance and the impact of his one-eyed identity.
Where:Hometown
- 5
Reunion in California
Matt surprises Jill with an unexpected visit on her college campus, where he is stunned by her remarkable physical transformation. Their reunion introduces hints of nostalgia, but also underlying tensions due to their personal changes.
Where:California Campus
- 6
Conflict Arises
During Matt's stay, the disparity in their lifestyles becomes evident, leading to a significant argument. This fight culminates in Jill's heartbreaking ultimatum for Matt, stating, 'Never contact me again,' marking the end of their relationship.
- 7
Patrick's Interest
After her breakup with Matt, Jill is approached by Patrick, the popular boy from school, who invites her to dinner. Initially hesitant, her friends' encouragement leads her to reconsider, indicating her desire to move on from Matt.
- 8
Cattle Call Party
Jill and Patrick prepare to attend a fraternity party known as the 'Cattle Call,' an event that makes Jill anxious due to the expectations surrounding it. The idea of being weighed publicly heightens her insecurities.
Where:Fraternity Party
- 9
Supportive Ally
During the frat party, Jill's distress about the weighing ritual is alleviated by Patrick's supportive actions. He stands up for her, allowing her to feel more comfortable in an otherwise challenging environment.
Where:Fraternity Party
- 10
Mysterious Encounter
As the party goes on, Patrick's older brother arrives and shares cryptic instructions with Jill, leaving her perplexed and uneasy. This interaction adds a layer of discomfort to Jill's already tumultuous experience that night.
Where:Fraternity Party
- 11
Intimate Moment
In a pivotal moment, Patrick hesitates during an intimate encounter with Jill, which leads her to feel rejected and confused. This emotional distance further complicates Jill's night and her evolving relationship with Patrick.
Where:Fraternity House
- 12
Discovery of Distress
After the awkward encounter with Patrick, Jill inadvertently discovers Patrick's older brother in a compromising situation. This revelation adds to her sense of distress and reinforces her feelings of being out of place at the party.
Where:Fraternity House
Who Are the Main Characters in Some Freaks?
4 characters, among them Jill, Matt and Elmo: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Jill
Played by Marin Ireland
Jill is a punk rock enthusiast navigating her self-image and societal expectations. Initially weighed down by her size, she makes a significant lifestyle change, losing 50 pounds and becoming more confident yet exposed to new challenges. Her journey reflects the quest for self-acceptance amid peer pressures.
- 🧑🎤 Punk
- 💪 Transformation
-
Matt
Played by Thomas Mann
Matt, despite being born with one eye, is a resilient character who initially finds solace in his friendship with Jill. His determination to improve his appearance by obtaining a prosthetic eye reveals his deep-seated insecurities and longing for acceptance, complicating his relationship with Jill.
- 👁️🗨️ Resilience
- 💔 Heartbreak
- E
Elmo
Played by Devon Caraway
Elmo is a quiet individual who hides a significant secret about his sexuality. His struggle for recognition in a relationship-centric narrative emphasizes the themes of isolation and the longing for friendship. As he observes the bond between Matt and Jill, he grapples with feelings of exclusion.
- 🤐 Secrets
- 🥺 Isolation
- P
Patrick
Patrick is portrayed as the charming golden boy of the school. His interest in Jill provides a contrasting perspective on relationships, as he represents both potential support and the complexities of male-female dynamics. However, his actions lead to moments of discomfort for Jill.
- 🌟 Charisma
- 👎 Discomfort
Where and When Is Some Freaks Set?
Some Freaks is set in Benjamin Franklin High School and California. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events in the movie primarily take place during the characters' final year of high school and the subsequent months after graduation. This transitional period is marked by personal growth, friendship struggles, and the challenges of young adulthood.
Where
Benjamin Franklin High School, California
The story begins at Benjamin Franklin High School in Rhode Island, a typical American high school setting characterized by its diverse student body and unique social dynamics. After graduating, the narrative shifts to California, known for its vibrant culture and lifestyle changes, where Jill embarks on her journey of transformation.
- 🏫 School
- 🌴 California
What Are the Themes of Some Freaks?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Transformation and Heartbreak.
-
01
Friendship
At its core, the film explores the complexity of friendship through the bonds formed among Jill, Matt, and Elmo. Their unique traits create a connection that is tested by jealousy and personal transformation, highlighting the struggle to maintain ties as circumstances change.
-
02
Transformation
Transformation plays a major role as Jill and Matt both undergo significant changes—physically and emotionally. Jill's weight loss journey represents a quest for self-acceptance, while Matt's desire for a prosthetic eye symbolizes his struggle with identity and societal expectations.
-
03
Heartbreak
The movie delves into the theme of heartbreak as Jill and Matt's relationship deteriorates due to their evolving identities. Their intense breakup serves as a poignant reminder that love can often fracture under the weight of personal insecurity and unfulfilled expectations.
What Kind of Film Is Some Freaks?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
An intimate and at times uncomfortable drama that explores the raw reality of teenage love, self-image, and the painful truth that personal growth can sometimes lead to heartbreaking distances.
- uncomfortable
- raw
- hopeful
- painful
- reflective
- tense
- coming of age
- body image
- self-acceptance
- first love
Content notes: bullying, social humiliation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Some Freaks? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Some Freaks
Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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