Los Frikis

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cuba, this film delves deep into the harrowing true story of a group of punks who make a chilling decision in order to escape hunger and poverty. 'Los Frikis' doesn't sugarcoat the brutality of its subject matter. Instead, it immerses audiences in the gritty world of underground punk culture and the daily struggles of those living on the fringes of society.

The performances are raw and visceral, capturing the desperation and defiance of a generation pushed to the brink. The cast delivers powerful and emotionally charged performances that bring the characters to life with authenticity. Each actor, Hector Medina, Eros De La Puente, Adria Arjona, and the entire cast, embodies the struggles and defiance of their respective roles, drawing viewers into their world with compelling realism. From the leaders of the punk movement (Paco, interpreted by Hector Medina who is exceptional in this performance) to the ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of political turmoil, the cast portrays a diverse array of characters with depth and nuance, with the special performance of Luis Alberto Garcia, Jorge Perugorría and Alexis Valdés.

The music in "Los Frikis" plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the film. Punk rock serves as the soundtrack to the characters' rebellion and defiance, mirroring their anger and frustration with the world around them. The filmmakers bring to life a world that is both, bleak and beautiful, inviting audiences to confront the harsh realities of life in Cuba while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

While the film's premise may be difficult to stomach, it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. 'Los Frikis' is a sobering and thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in Cuba's history, shedding light on the sacrifices made by those fighting for survival in the shadows.

In the end, 'Los Frikis' is more than a movie; it's a stark reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in a world plagued by inequality and injustice. It's a story that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, challenging you to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared humanity.

Attending the premiere of "Los Frikis" was a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into a powerful and thought-provoking story that deserves widespread recognition. As the film shines a light on the struggles and sacrifices of its characters, it has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

I really enjoyed this movie!! Here's to the hope that "Los Frikis" will indeed go around, touching hearts and minds wherever it travels.

Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz from THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON fame bring us another stunning production that will grab your heart and not let it go. Based on true events, Los Frikis takes us on a journey that is heartbreaking but also provides some much needed moments of humor. Beautifully shot in the Dominican Republic with authentic, super talented Cuban actors, this film is a must see.

I was lucky enough to watch Los Frikis at The Lighthouse International Film Festival as its opening night film in a packed, standing room only crowd and hear the filmmakers discuss their passion for this story.

There is no way you will not ponder this story after the credits roll. The desperation of these human beings, the determination to live, it is all here.

Don't miss an opportunity to experience this film.

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.

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.

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.