As awards buzz surrounds Sebastian Stan for his recent works, including "The Apprentice" and "A Different Man," now is the perfect moment to dive back into "Fresh," a horror comedy that truly deserves a second glance. This film is a unique blend of hilarity and horror that takes the audience on a grotesque yet hilarious ride. But be warned—this review contains some spoilers, so if you haven’t seen it yet, it might be better to experience it without any preconceived notions!

The story centers around Noa, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who has just survived a disastrous date and is on the verge of giving up on finding a decent partner. A serendipitous meeting in a supermarket introduces her to Steve, portrayed by Stan—a charming, seemingly perfect doctor. Their chemistry is electric, and their relationship escalates quickly. However, things take a dark turn when a romantic getaway reveals Steve's sinister true self.

In an unexpected twist, Noa soon realizes that she has fallen prey to a modern-day cannibal. Steve operates as a high-end butcher who provides bespoke meat to elite clientele, and this chilling revelation is at the core of the movie's horror. Noa finds herself drugged and imprisoned, initiating a battle of wits between her and her captor.

Director Mimi Cave masterfully leads the audience through a façade of romantic comedy, only to drag them into a nightmare of horror and satire. Initially, there are subtle hints of Steve’s dark side, with Noa's best friend Mollie (Jojo T Gibbs) warning her about red flags in Steve's behavior. However, the film cleverly encourages viewers—just like Noa—to overlook these signs until it’s far too late.

Stan’s portrayal of Steve is chilling yet engaging; he oscillates between charming and threatening effortlessly. Meanwhile, Edgar-Jones captures Noa's gradual descent into despair in a world where misogyny rears its ugly head even in the most dire situations. The film critiques not only toxic relationships but also societal norms regarding male behavior, highlighted poignantly in scenes where Noa is told to "stop being so dramatic" despite her harrowing circumstances.

Though "Fresh" crafts moments of visceral horror—like Steve dancing in his kitchen with human parts—it's equally peppered with dark humor. The absurdity of cannibal-related puns during dinner and the ludicrous portrayal of sending out packages of “cannibal cuisine” complete with personalized keepsakes creates an uncomfortable yet captivating viewing experience.

More than just a horror film, "Fresh" serves as a biting satire on meat consumption, challenging viewers to rethink their relationship with food and the often unseen cruelty of livestock practices. Through graphic imagery and witty dialogue, it invites critical conversation about humanity’s often blind acceptance of meat culture, flipping the traditional cannibal genre on its head.

Despite receiving acclaim upon its release, it’s crucial not to let "Fresh" slip into obscurity amid the ever-expanding array of streaming offerings. Horror comedies require a delicate balance of satire, fright, and humor, and "Fresh" achieves this with aplomb, pushing boundaries while inviting laughter. If you haven’t seen it yet—or if it’s been a while since your last viewing—go treat yourself to this delectably unsettling film; you won’t regret going back for seconds!