Fresh Kills

FRESH KILLS is the BEST film I have seen on the festival circuit in the last 15 years. A gritty, gut wrenching story about two sisters that are stuck in a life they didn't choose... Their father's mob world. BUT, It's NOT a Mob film.

The depth of character these two young actors (Emily Bader & Odessa A'zion) share in their performances, explodes from the script on to the screen, via the expert direction of Esposito. Like all classic Independent Films, FRESH KILLS is intimate and raw, while bursting at the seams with story, content and style. It should be on everyone's must see list for 2024 and beyond!

The film "Fresh Kills" delves into the criminal underworld of late 1980s Staten Island, with a focus on the women who hold pivotal roles behind the powerful mafia kingpin Joe (Domenick Lambardozzi). Directed by Jennifer Esposito, this award-winning drama unfolds through the perspectives of three women: Francine (Jennifer Esposito): As the devoted yet imperfect matriarch of the Larusso family, Francine's loyalty to the criminal world remains steadfast, even as she grapples with her own imperfections. Connie (Odessa A'zion): The brazen and outspoken daughter unexpectedly becomes entangled in the mafia's affairs. Her role proves essential to the unfolding narrative. The youngest daughter, Rose (Emily Bader), is reserved and discovers her father's criminal ties. Her journey from innocence to awareness becomes a central arc in the film.

As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, "Fresh Kills" weaves a gripping tale of crime, family dynamics, and consequences.

What a great side of a story that has never been on filmed (well at least that I know of) starts a bit slow, but worth the wait....i grew up in the 70's. My father owned a bar in the combat zone in Boston. I was there weekly. I can understand the "different" life style now that I am an adult.sad times now cause we don't even know our neighbors. I recall walking in the front door of any neighbors house to grab sugar milk bread etc and walking out not even thinking it was an issue. Our dog walked the neighborhood for hours til the school bus came home. Within a 5 mile radius everyone knew all families, kids,pets,extended family members,etc.

I was lucky enough to catch the premier at the cinequest film festival. I love the idea of a mob movie told from perspective of the women it affects. The anxiety, the danger, the violence. As with the men the idea of not being able to walk away and protecting the family that exposes you to so much trauma and heartache is a powerful study. Visually it's beautiful and captures the era. Great camera work, effects, and costume design. I've never seen the lead in anything else but she makes the movie.... The lack of dialogue she tells a story with her eyes. The sister played by Pamela aldon daughter was dope she was like the female version of Pac in Juice. I guess my only critiques would be the lack of music in the first act, the rushed pacing together to the climax, and how quickly the climactic event got us over tue finish line. I wish In The best part of the film there was more remorse from shown from the father. All in all Jennifer Espisoto did a great job. It was a great first film that I highly recommend.

Great movie!! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but being a big fan of mafia type movies and books I realized I'm seeing what the wife goes through but more so what the kids see it really interesting take I've never seen anything like this I love it and my wife who isn't the biggest fan like me when it comes to mafia stuff loved the look through the woman's eye it a movie we will watch forever like a goodfellas or sopranos great job Jennifer I look forward to seeing more of your work. I love the dads part but Rose and the mom were it for me such a great look into what the families go through.