Freelance is a well-made film with a clever concept (though not entirely original), but its execution falls short.
There seems to be a mindset in Australia that storytelling doesn't require much thought or revision, as if most films go into production after only a few drafts. Freelance is a prime example of an underdeveloped script.
Visually, the film is well-shot, and the acting is passable. It held my attention, so it deserves credit for that. However, there isn't much to truly enjoy about this film. The lead actor's performance is average-not bad, but not memorable or special either. It often feels phoned in. There's a particular moment in the film where any real person would be hysterical, yet she barely reacts to a horrific situation. It's one of those frustrating moments where the audience finds themselves yelling at the screen: Why aren't you reacting?!
Supporting actor Jordan-Fraser Trumble once again delivers a below-average performance. Some moments border on bad acting and a lack of believability. Just as in The Cost, I didn't find the performance convincing.
The protagonist herself is confusingly written. She has a shaved haircut, calls everyone dude, yet is depicted as heterosexual. This isn't a comment on sexuality, but rather on the inconsistency of the character's personality-it feels like the film is pulling in two different directions.
The dialogue is simple but effective, and the story attempts to be clever with its twists and turns. However, some of these twists are predictable, while others feel underdeveloped or poorly executed. The first half of the film struggles with its identity-is it about an editor ashamed of her past work? Is she haunted by the project she's currently editing? Why does she remain so two-dimensional? The film also throws in random nude scenes that seem to serve no narrative purpose (perhaps more for the director's personal reasons). The character's choices lack strength and conviction.
Adding to the film's lack of credibility, the police characters behave in ways that feel completely unrealistic, as does the landlord. Neither portrayal feels remotely plausible.
There are also multiple plot holes. For instance, the main character is shown to be struggling for money, unable to pay rent, yet when her mother calls, she suddenly has money to send her instantly-only to be struggling again soon after and even considering doing porn. The inconsistency makes the story feel disjointed and confusing.
The film also suffers from weak sound design. Stronger sound effects could have heightened the tension in key moments. Additionally, the film lacks an impactful score-music could have significantly improved the atmosphere.
Ultimately, Freelance doesn't work as an acting showcase, nor does it deliver the scares or edge-of-your-seat moments expected in a psychological thriller or horror film. The protagonist is difficult to connect with, making illogical decisions like a child. The story is weak, failing to evoke any emotion, humor, terror, or suspense-elements that are crucial to this genre.
