Freaky (2020): A Bloody Good Body-Swap Slasher
If Freaky Friday and Friday the 13th had a twisted baby, it would look a lot like Freaky (2020). Directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day), Freaky is a genre-bending horror-comedy that gleefully mixes body-swap hijinks with slasher violence—and somehow makes it all work.
The Premise: A Killer Switch
Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton) is a shy high schooler trying to survive bullies, grief, and the general hell of adolescence. But her life takes a wildly unexpected turn when she’s stabbed by the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn), a legendary local killer, using a cursed dagger that causes them to switch bodies.
Now, Millie has just 24 hours to reverse the spell before she’s stuck in the body of a 6’5″ middle-aged serial killer forever—while the Butcher, now in her body, uses her innocent appearance to go on a killing spree.
Why Freaky Works
1. Vince Vaughn’s Surprise Turn:
Watching Vaughn play a teenage girl is a highlight in itself. His performance is surprisingly nuanced—never over-the-top camp, but always hilarious and strangely believable. He captures Millie’s vulnerability and awkwardness while delivering comedic gold.
2. Gore + Giggles:
Freaky doesn’t hold back on the gore. From buzzsaw deaths to wine-bottle stabbings, the kills are creative and brutal. But thanks to the script’s self-awareness and sharp humor, the violence never feels oppressive—just gleefully outrageous.
3. A Slasher with a Heart:
Beneath the blood and body-switching, Freaky has real emotional stakes. Millie’s journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and empowerment is surprisingly sincere, and her relationships with her best friends (played wonderfully by Misha Osherovich and Celeste O’Connor) add warmth and diversity to the film’s core.
4. Smart Genre Mash-Up:
Director Christopher Landon has carved a niche blending horror with comedy and heart, and Freaky continues that streak. It pokes fun at tropes without disrespecting them, walking a tonal tightrope that pays off.
Final Thoughts
Freaky is one of those rare horror comedies that manages to satisfy both genre fans and casual viewers. It’s inventive, funny, and unexpectedly sweet—all while delivering the gore and thrills horror fans crave. Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn make for a killer combo, and the film’s high-concept premise is executed with flair.
