Freaks (2018)

Brief Intro

“Freaks” (2018), directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, is a sci-fi thriller that delves into a world where the unusual and the extraordinary clash with the mundane. The story follows a young girl, Chloe, who discovers the terrifying truth about her sheltered existence and the powers she possesses. This film intertwines suspense and emotion, creating a unique narrative experience.

Literary Devices Used in Freaks

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chloe’s discovery of her powers	Metaphor for coming of age and self-realization
The ice cream truck as a prison	Metaphor for the constraints of Chloe’s life

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
The mysterious man outside Chloe’s house	Foreshadowing the existence of other “freaks”
Chloe’s nightmares	Foreshadowing her eventual escape and revelation

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The house’s locked doors	Symbolism of Chloe’s isolation and hidden truths
Chloe’s drawings	Symbolism of her inner world and powers

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chloe’s father hiding her for protection	Irony that his actions actually put her in danger
The ice cream man’s facade	Irony of a seemingly friendly figure being a threat

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The government’s hunt for “freaks”	Allegory for societal persecution
Chloe’s journey of self-discovery	Allegory for the journey to self-acceptance

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The desolate city	Imagery of abandonment and fear
Chloe’s dream sequences	Vivid imagery of her subconscious mind

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated shots of the house	Motif of confinement
The recurring sound of sirens	Motif of danger and urgency

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chloe’s innocent appearance vs. her powers	Juxtaposition of innocence and power
The normal world vs. the “freaks” world	Juxtaposition of normalcy and the extraordinary

Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The house “protecting” Chloe	Personification of the house as a guardian
The shadows “watching” her	Personification of fear and paranoia

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Chloe’s exaggerated perception of danger	Hyperbole of her fear and isolation
The portrayal of the government’s power	Hyperbole of societal control and oppression

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Chloe

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Chloe’s powers symbolize her potential and individuality.
Allegory	Her journey represents the path to self-acceptance.

Henry (Chloe’s Father)

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	His protective nature ironically puts Chloe in more danger.
Foreshadowing	His actions hint at the larger conflict outside the house.

Alan (The Ice Cream Man)

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	The friendly facade contrasts with his sinister intentions.
Juxtaposition	His calm demeanor juxtaposed with his threatening actions.

Mary (Chloe’s Mother)

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Her disappearance represents Chloe’s loss and longing.
Imagery	Flashbacks of her provide a stark contrast to Chloe’s reality.

Character Dynamics

Character Relationship	Analysis
Chloe and Henry	Their bond drives the narrative, highlighting themes of protection and control.
Chloe and Alan	This relationship showcases the conflict between trust and deceit.

Thematic Analysis

Power and Control

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Powers as a symbol of individuality and freedom.
Irony	Control measures leading to loss of freedom.

Isolation and Connection

Literary Device	Explanation
Imagery	The desolate house as imagery of isolation.
Motif	Repeated shots of Chloe alone emphasize her isolation.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Literary Device	Explanation
Allegory	Chloe’s journey as an allegory for self-acceptance.
Metaphor	Powers as a metaphor for personal potential.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting and color scheme	Use of shadows and light to represent fear and revelation.
Imagery	Cinematography	Wide shots to depict isolation, close-ups to show emotion.
Juxtaposition	Editing	Quick cuts between normal and “freak” worlds to highlight contrasts.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: Chloe’s First Encounter with the Outside World

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This scene introduces the stark contrast between Chloe’s sheltered life and the harsh realities outside. The use of foreshadowing and imagery creates a sense of impending danger and discovery.

Scene 2: Chloe’s Powers Revealed

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In this pivotal scene, Chloe’s powers are fully displayed. The metaphor of her abilities as a representation of her potential is highlighted through vivid imagery and dynamic cinematography.

Scene 3: The Climactic Escape

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This scene uses a combination of symbolism and foreshadowing to build tension. The rapid editing and intense sound design underscore the urgency and danger of Chloe’s escape.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

1. What literary device is used to represent Chloe’s powers?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Irony
   • C) Allegory
2. Which character’s actions ironically put Chloe in more danger?
   • A) Alan
   • B) Mary
   • C) Henry
3. What motif is repeatedly used to emphasize Chloe’s isolation?
   • A) Sound of sirens
   • B) Locked doors
   • C) Repeated shots of the house