Movie Review: LOS FRIKIS brings incredible Cuban film to U.S. movie theaters

Written by Jesus Figueroa

@ThisFunktional

The brilliant story of LOS FRIKIS is online made more incredible when realizing it is based on true events.

Inspired by true events set against the backdrop of Cuba’s 1990’s punk subculture, Los Frikis is a powerful coming-of-age story centering around Gustavo who idolizes his older brother Paco and his punk bandmates. As oppression and extreme poverty tighten their grip, the Frikis take a desperate and defiant stand, intentionally injecting themselves with HIV to gain refuge in a government-run sanatorium. There, in a world meant for isolation, they carve out their own anarchic utopia—an oasis of rock 'n' roll, joy, freedom and acceptance.

Pros:

• The co-writer—co-director team of Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson create a captivating story which is lead by a familial love as well as capturing a romantic love all while keeping the much bigger story of what people are capable of doing when they battle oppression.
• Adria Arjona, Héctor Medina, and Eros de la Puente are phenomenal in their roles and have such charisma that the audience roots for them and takes this journey with them. each one carries distinct personalities and show how integral each are to the story.
• Every part of the story comes together magnificently to enhance the emotional aspects of the story which captures the viewer’s heart.
• The beauty of the locaions where this movie was shot is beautiful. The scenery makes for an incredible addition to the story telling.

Cons:

• There are moments in the story that can be jarring if the audience does not keep up with the story. Every moment of the story is intregal to the overall story arcs and the audience may miss small parts that are crucial to understanding the entire movie.

ThisFunktional rates this movie a 9 out of 10. The overall story is brilliant and impactful. As it draws from true events, this film is that much more incredible. arjona, Medina, and de la Puente are phenomenal in their roles — this being de la Puente’s first feature role sets a high bar for the future. The film’s supporting cast are magnificent and accompany the main cast well. The music used throughout the film is recognizable for the era and allows for audiences to get emerged into that time.

LOS FRIKIS

In Theaters Now