User reviews

Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz from THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON fame bring us another stunning production that will grab your heart and not let it go. Based on true events, Los Frikis takes us on a journey that is heartbreaking but also provides some much needed moments of humor. Beautifully shot in the Dominican Republic with authentic, super talented Cuban actors, this film is a must see.

I was lucky enough to watch Los Frikis at The Lighthouse International Film Festival as its opening night film in a packed, standing room only crowd and hear the filmmakers discuss their passion for this story.

There is no way you will not ponder this story after the credits roll. The desperation of these human beings, the determination to live, it is all here.

Don't miss an opportunity to experience this film.

Los Frikis is a hauntingly beautiful film that took me by surprise. Watching it blind at AMC last night, I was captivated by the raw drama and stunning cinematography. The story is deeply moving, showcasing complex characters and a gripping narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. Every performance felt authentic, and the direction brought it all together flawlessly. The film strikes an emotional chord, blending beauty and heartbreak in equal measure. This is a movie that deserves widespread support and recognition. Don't miss it-it's a cinematic experience that truly resonates and stays with you.

Just saw "Los Frikis" @ the Long Beach Island Foreign Film Festival & I can't say enough about how good it was. The film was the opening movie to the festival & played to a full house. True story based on actual happenings in Cuba with all the history, drama, comedy, characters & relatability one could ask for, yet nothing like you ever seen.. Highly recommend it.

My 1st exposure to Nilson & Schwartz was a few years back with "Peanut Butter Falcon". Another great film that draws you in to a narrative of unforgettable characters & circumstances.

Three cheers for the winning combo of Nilson & Schwartz, writers & directors.

I was fortunate to see "Los Frikis" showcased at the Miami Film Festival. It was an exhilarating experience that captivated the audience with its raw intensity and thought-provoking narrative.

It's not surprising that the creators of "Peanut Butter Falcon" delivered characters with such authenticity that their struggles, desperation, and triumphs resonated with the viewers on a profound level.

"Los Frikis" is a cinematic masterpiece that combines powerful storytelling with outstanding performances and stunning cinematography. It is a must-see for anyone looking to be moved and inspired by the indomitable spirit of human resilience. This film at the was a true gem, GO SEE IT!!

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Cuba, this film delves deep into the harrowing true story of a group of punks who make a chilling decision in order to escape hunger and poverty. 'Los Frikis' doesn't sugarcoat the brutality of its subject matter. Instead, it immerses audiences in the gritty world of underground punk culture and the daily struggles of those living on the fringes of society.

The performances are raw and visceral, capturing the desperation and defiance of a generation pushed to the brink. The cast delivers powerful and emotionally charged performances that bring the characters to life with authenticity. Each actor, Hector Medina, Eros De La Puente, Adria Arjona, and the entire cast, embodies the struggles and defiance of their respective roles, drawing viewers into their world with compelling realism. From the leaders of the punk movement (Paco, interpreted by Hector Medina who is exceptional in this performance) to the ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of political turmoil, the cast portrays a diverse array of characters with depth and nuance, with the special performance of Luis Alberto Garcia, Jorge Perugorría and Alexis Valdés.

The music in "Los Frikis" plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the film. Punk rock serves as the soundtrack to the characters' rebellion and defiance, mirroring their anger and frustration with the world around them. The filmmakers bring to life a world that is both, bleak and beautiful, inviting audiences to confront the harsh realities of life in Cuba while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

While the film's premise may be difficult to stomach, it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. 'Los Frikis' is a sobering and thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in Cuba's history, shedding light on the sacrifices made by those fighting for survival in the shadows.

In the end, 'Los Frikis' is more than a movie; it's a stark reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in a world plagued by inequality and injustice. It's a story that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, challenging you to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared humanity.

Attending the premiere of "Los Frikis" was a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into a powerful and thought-provoking story that deserves widespread recognition. As the film shines a light on the struggles and sacrifices of its characters, it has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

I really enjoyed this movie!! Here's to the hope that "Los Frikis" will indeed go around, touching hearts and minds wherever it travels.

A must see.

Best feature I've seen this year. Tragic circumstance requiring survival shows the power of Love and the indomitable human spirit, prevailing in such a way it will drive you to tears and celebration simultaneously! The directing is amazing, writing amazing, and editing amazing also. Oscar noms for the lead actors and actress would not surprise me!

My heart was vulnerable throughout, and the ending was dynamic. Did not disappoint. The gent I was seated next to told one of the producers after the viewing, " You have made the perfect film". Will think about this for a long time. Best of luck with SAG awards. Deserving!

I saw Los Frikis at the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF). This film hit me in a way that is hard to describe, but I can only say that like nothing else it pulled me into the extreme duress that was life for many Cubans under Castro's regime. Yet, I would hardly describe the film as political. The political situation is only the backdrop. It is the characters, Gustavo and his older brother Paco, and their close friends and people around them, who are the subject of this film. You might describe it as a slice of life, though pleasant and comfortable it is not. But, neither is it only about stress and problems and suffering. This film is also about the beautiful and human moments the characters experience together, and the sheer joy and love they can feel.

This film is essentially about life, about human existence. It is about all the dark things and all the exquisite things that entails. The emotions are real, their conversations are real, the characters are real. In all this, the film also does an excellent job of not straying into the melodramatic.

If I were to summarise my thoughts about this film in one single conclusion, it is this: if humanity were ever to discover intelligent extraterrestrial life, an intelligent species on a different planet, yet they were so many lightyears away that we couldn't practically communicate with them. If the only thing we could practically get to them was a tiny space probe after countless years of travel, and there was only so much information we could fit on that probe, then I hope Los Frikis would be on there. I cannot think of a better example of human existence at its essence, including all the nasty things we do to each other, as well as the beauty we find in our lives.

Wow. This film has really hit a tender part in me, and I so wish more people had access to seeing this film. I absolutely loved the dialogue as I gravitate to what's being said and not said in all forms of media. I also appreciated that a lot of the scenes were quiet. I think the quiet really spoke volumes, and when there was music or sound it was used to emphasize different aspects of the story - such as the ending as we're rolling into the credits.

Overall, I really felt connected to the characters and their arcs and felt very moved by the storytelling. I know the directors put a lot of research into this film while also giving a lot of freedom to the actors - good call to make this feel even that much more authentic to the Cuban culture. Kudos!

Just watched this movie at the Miami International Film festival. What an enthralling, emotional, and captivating experience. For me, this beautiful movie did more than tell a story. It subtly but surely invited me into a world of unlikely characters and circumstances, brilliantly portrayed by an absolutely incredible cast. The visual images, fine drawn dialogue and magical unspoken moments so effectively shared the characters wisdom, joy and sorrow that I found myself at times amused, at times warmed by human commonality, and at times saddened and distressed. I could tell that others in the large Film Festival audience had similiar feelings, as I could hear both sighs and chuckles from them. I found this movie to be heartwarming, heartbreaking, and entertaining, even though that might seem like an unlikely combo. I actually would like to be able to see it again, if possible with friends or loved ones. There's something sbout this movie experience that makes you want to share it with others.

You simply don't see movies like this anymore and it shouldn't be missed. There is a story here that has been hidden from the world that needed to be told. Not only was that achieved, but it was done with mainly unknown actors who are far better than the typical mainstream (their careers are going to explode,) and just the right amount of humor added to the grit of their lives. Cuban actors are playing Cuban people as it should be. Everything about this screams the next big thing. Think of original cast of the Outsiders and how while watching it, it felt like we were a part of something bigger, then think about the careers those actors had. It is the same with Los Frikis. From screenwriting, to directing, musical score, cinematography, it excels. You must watch this film.

"Los Frikis" is a powerful and inspiring film that sheds light on the fascinating subculture of Cuban punks known as "frikis." The movie beautifully captures the rebellious spirit and resilience of these individuals who dared to defy societal norms in pursuit of their passion for punk rock music.

The film delves into the struggles and triumphs of the frikis, showcasing their unwavering dedication to their music and their unbreakable bond as a community. The raw and authentic performances by the cast bring to life the raw emotions and struggles faced by these marginalized individuals, making it a truly moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Director's masterful storytelling and attention to detail in capturing the essence of Cuban punk culture make "Los Frikis" a must-see for anyone looking for a film that celebrates the power of music, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit. It is a testament to the strength of the human will and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.

I watched this film at the lighthouse festival last night. It is an amazing story, delivered via an exceptional script. I loved it, it looks fantastic, the sound track is epic, the talent on show excels at telling a great story.

And the story is great, set in Cuba during the early 90s, depicting a punk rocker and his younger brother, and what they have to do to survive in an harshly oppressive regime.

It made me laugh, it made me cry and made me think how lucky I am. I hate things that make me think, so massive congrats to all involved. I'm gonna have to watch "the peanut butter falcon" now, great, more thinking...

I saw this opening night at the Lighthouse International Film Festival and was blown away by the cast, the story and how it came to life on film.

There is joy, beauty and humor in this bittersweet coming of age tale among a group of musicians in Cuba. Brilliant acting, deft and lush filming.... I wept, I laughed, and rooted for the characters...who made a home in my heart. You may mot be a young adult or a rocker, but anyone can identify with the palpable emotions of longing, frustration, passion and hope that are stirred by this film.

Directors Thler and Michael simply hit one out of the ballpark. Hector Medina was mesmerizing as Paco, giving a masterful and poignant performance. Eros de la Puente as Gustavo is a riveting magician of an actor, relaying volumes without speaking a word.

I especially loved hearing that some of the cast have relocated to the US. The symmetry with the film's theme of "seeking freedom" is heady, and what a beautiful result!

I saw this film today in atlanta and was lucky enough to attend the Q&A afterward with the actor who played Paco and one of the producers.

The Good: Very beautifully shot, full feeling characters with nuanced portrayals. Paco and Gustavo's relationship was the core of the film for me. Very different characters with significant personality differences and likely opposite responses to the trauma they endured around their father's death, living in an oppressive regime etc. Paco is an externalizer of his pain where Gustavo is an internalizer. Still their relationship and brotherly love was palpable. Paco's concern for his younger brother and Gustavo's admiration for his older was well played and permeated their performances, even in the way they looked at the other. The actor who played Paco delivered a seriously powerhouse performance, if this film is widely distributed would be oscar nomination worthy, he really felt real and 3 dimensional, hope to see him in many more things.

Thematically very rich: film touches on political oppression, the creative spirit, artistic repression & subsequent rebellion/expression, man's connection to nature, resilience and desperation, punk ethos, infectious disease and the climate of the early AIDS epidemic, medical ethics, othering of social groups, homosexuality- all blended organically beneath the primary theme I felt of brotherly love and the family bond in the face of severe adversity. The friendships in the film also feel full and vital.

The Bad: Honestly every scene felt natural and essential and flowed into each other. The soundtrack was awesome but the score was not my favorite- served the scenes and heightened drama but felt a bit melodramatic/on the nose at times, and the post-rock dramatic guitar swells have been done a million times since before Explosions in the Sky did the friday night lights soundtrack. Very minor complaint because it definitely worked, I just like a more unique score.

All in all- excellent film that is very worth seeing and is very masterfully done. The directors must be excellent because everything feels cohesive and the performances they get from their cast are extremely natural and powerful, which was also true for their other film The Peanut Butter Falcon (which I thought was good and sweet- but this film, to me, is much deeper, complex and more riveting. I really hope everyone gets a chance to see this film and it gets the love/acclaim that it deserves- as a tremendous amount of passion and talent must've went into its making.

Approached with care because of the fateful plot line, this film will be my favorite of the Tallgrass FF. The actors were invested in this incredible movie which recreates Havana at the start of the AIDS epidemic. I don't expect to see a film this raw, raucous and tender again this year.

Direction was lively, the cast were authentic, cinematography was impressive. Little time was wasted setting up the narrative which was tough to digest, frank and brutal. The music exploded with energy. The script presented tough choices, tough consequences, tough behavior.

Scheduled for a December 2024 release. If you get a chance to see it in a theater, grab it.