The romantic entanglements of circus performers and the darkness of the human heart drive this bizarre film. While the mere thought of working with a cast of real-life sideshow performers appalled many moviegoers, director Tod Browning further shocked audiences by giving the freaks common human desires and emotions. This approach pushes Freaks to uncomfortably horrific heights, as it becomes harder to separate a normal person from “one of us,” as the freaks identify themselves in the film’s iconic banquet scene.
—Tyler Petty
Arts & Faith Lists:
2012 Top 25 Horror Films — #18