A new, wildly entertaining action thriller has quietly landed on Amazon's Prime Video and is rapidly climbing the charts, capturing the attention of subscribers across the UK. 'Freaky Tales', a film drawing direct comparisons to Quentin Tarantino's cult classic Pulp Fiction, is now available to stream and is being hailed as an unmissable, gory spectacle.
A Surprise Hit on Prime Video
Despite a relatively low-key release on the platform, Freaky Tales has surged to become the fourth most-watched title on Prime Video at the time of writing. It currently sits just behind other new releases like Malice, Playdate, and After the Hunt, indicating a swift and powerful word-of-mouth buzz among viewers.
The film's plot is an intricate tapestry set in 1987 Oakland, California. It weaves together four interconnected stories featuring a diverse and unexpected cast of characters. These include an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a formidable female rap duo, a group of teenage punks, menacing neo-Nazis, and a determined debt collector. Their paths are set for a violent and inevitable collision, with the narrative unfolding at real locations and during genuine historical events from that era.
Tarantino Vibes and A-List Cast
The film's structure, which masterfully connects its disparate tales, has earned it widespread comparison to the nonlinear storytelling of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. This stylistic choice is bolstered by an impressive ensemble cast that brings these chaotic stories to life.
The film features Pedro Pascal of The Last of Us fame and Ben Mendelsohn from the Star Wars universe. They are joined by former NFL star Marshawn Lynch and, in a particularly acclaimed performance, the legendary Tom Hanks.
'Freaky Tales' was written and directed by the duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who previously co-directed Captain Marvel and have worked on series like The Big C and Masters of the Air.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise
Many critics have expressed surprise that the film's arrival on streaming has not been more widely promoted. Specialised publication Film Stories penned an article lamenting that mainstream platforms are not doing enough to market such unique releases, describing the film as "a cross between the interlocking tales of Pulp Fiction and the retro aesthetic of another Tarantino-derived joint, Grindhouse."
One reviewer went further, singling out Tom Hanks for particular praise, stating: "This is honestly one of the best Tom Hanks performances in a long time. He’s quick-witted, funny, and just so dang mysterious." The reviewer added that the two-time Academy Award winner seemed to be having the time of his life, delivering a short yet unforgettable scene that caught them completely by surprise.
Audience reactions have been equally fervent. One fan posted online: "Wow. Just WOW. This movie was a blast from start to finish!... If you’re a fan of high-octane storytelling, imagine Kill Bill but on steroids, that’s Freaky Tales."
Another viewer commented on the satisfying narrative structure, saying: "One of the best movies I’ve seen in awhile. It’s well done and entertaining. Love how the movie wraps up and each chapter and how it all comes together at the end."
With its potent mix of action, gore, and surprising heart, Freaky Tales is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video and is quickly establishing itself as a must-see hidden gem for fans of inventive, bold cinema.