Fresh Kills

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.

Ok I love supporting small films, Especially when they surprise me. Now this one was a little bit of a mess. They were trying to establish the sister strong bond so you're unsure if you're following the sisters or father or the mother like where is this leading so it's kind of everywhere for a awhile and you're just trying to figure out the story. I think they should have delved into the fathers violent life and shown that a little bit more to get the gist of what the girls are not realizing the family that their in BUT acting is good. They needed a better story but the ending scene was fantastic, very strong scene between mother and daughter and whoever picked the song did an excellent job. I've never heard the song but it's was perfect for that scene. I probably rewound it three times just to watch the final scene. That was really fantastic. Kudos to you guys for doing that. In the last moment, it really all comes together of a mom who should've done that along time ago and the look between mother and daughter was the love and understanding that passed between them. I hope this crew does more movies just work on getting a better story.

I saw this film on opening night. The audience was comprised of Jennifer's family, friends and film students. All who were told to post glowing reviews online. THE TRUTH: THIS FILM WAS TERRIBLE. Plot was barely there, and what you get is endless stereotypical Italian profanity laced dialogue. And the male and female characters essentially speak in the same manner, as if the writer is using the same voice for all characters. This goes to the inexperience in the writing and directing. 2 hours long, 30 of which could have been cut. This is basically a self-funded student film. Tubi is waiting for you.

Honestly though, the mob stuff felt like the trappings around the real heart of it (to me), what do you do when you feel alone in the midst of family; when everything you know is isolating, when the people who are supposed to be your rock don't understand or relate to you? The undertones of feeling trapped in your life and just needing to run, to get out, hung strong with me. This was so well done, felt so real and lived in. Phenomenal acting, writing, directing, cinematography, wardrobe, everything. It's a drama, not an action movie, and there is no thriller aspect here, just real life trauma.

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!