Los Frikis

Just saw "Los Frikis" @ the Long Beach Island Foreign Film Festival & I can't say enough about how good it was. The film was the opening movie to the festival & played to a full house. True story based on actual happenings in Cuba with all the history, drama, comedy, characters & relatability one could ask for, yet nothing like you ever seen.. Highly recommend it.

My 1st exposure to Nilson & Schwartz was a few years back with "Peanut Butter Falcon". Another great film that draws you in to a narrative of unforgettable characters & circumstances.

Three cheers for the winning combo of Nilson & Schwartz, writers & directors.

I was fortunate to see "Los Frikis" showcased at the Miami Film Festival. It was an exhilarating experience that captivated the audience with its raw intensity and thought-provoking narrative.

It's not surprising that the creators of "Peanut Butter Falcon" delivered characters with such authenticity that their struggles, desperation, and triumphs resonated with the viewers on a profound level.

"Los Frikis" is a cinematic masterpiece that combines powerful storytelling with outstanding performances and stunning cinematography. It is a must-see for anyone looking to be moved and inspired by the indomitable spirit of human resilience. This film at the was a true gem, GO SEE IT!!

I saw Los Frikis at the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF). This film hit me in a way that is hard to describe, but I can only say that like nothing else it pulled me into the extreme duress that was life for many Cubans under Castro's regime. Yet, I would hardly describe the film as political. The political situation is only the backdrop. It is the characters, Gustavo and his older brother Paco, and their close friends and people around them, who are the subject of this film. You might describe it as a slice of life, though pleasant and comfortable it is not. But, neither is it only about stress and problems and suffering. This film is also about the beautiful and human moments the characters experience together, and the sheer joy and love they can feel.

This film is essentially about life, about human existence. It is about all the dark things and all the exquisite things that entails. The emotions are real, their conversations are real, the characters are real. In all this, the film also does an excellent job of not straying into the melodramatic.

If I were to summarise my thoughts about this film in one single conclusion, it is this: if humanity were ever to discover intelligent extraterrestrial life, an intelligent species on a different planet, yet they were so many lightyears away that we couldn't practically communicate with them. If the only thing we could practically get to them was a tiny space probe after countless years of travel, and there was only so much information we could fit on that probe, then I hope Los Frikis would be on there. I cannot think of a better example of human existence at its essence, including all the nasty things we do to each other, as well as the beauty we find in our lives.

A must see.

Best feature I've seen this year. Tragic circumstance requiring survival shows the power of Love and the indomitable human spirit, prevailing in such a way it will drive you to tears and celebration simultaneously! The directing is amazing, writing amazing, and editing amazing also. Oscar noms for the lead actors and actress would not surprise me!

My heart was vulnerable throughout, and the ending was dynamic. Did not disappoint. The gent I was seated next to told one of the producers after the viewing, " You have made the perfect film". Will think about this for a long time. Best of luck with SAG awards. Deserving!

You simply don't see movies like this anymore and it shouldn't be missed. There is a story here that has been hidden from the world that needed to be told. Not only was that achieved, but it was done with mainly unknown actors who are far better than the typical mainstream (their careers are going to explode,) and just the right amount of humor added to the grit of their lives. Cuban actors are playing Cuban people as it should be. Everything about this screams the next big thing. Think of original cast of the Outsiders and how while watching it, it felt like we were a part of something bigger, then think about the careers those actors had. It is the same with Los Frikis. From screenwriting, to directing, musical score, cinematography, it excels. You must watch this film.