74 reviews
Great first effort, I enjoyed a lot about it
I was lucky enough to catch the premier at the cinequest film festival. I love the idea of a mob movie told from perspective of the women it affects. The anxiety, the danger, the violence. As with the men the idea of not being able to walk away and protecting the family that exposes you to so much trauma and heartache is a powerful study. Visually it's beautiful and captures the era. Great camera work, effects, and costume design. I've never seen the lead in anything else but she makes the movie.... The lack of dialogue she tells a story with her eyes. The sister played by Pamela aldon daughter was dope she was like the female version of Pac in Juice. I guess my only critiques would be the lack of music in the first act, the rushed pacing together to the climax, and how quickly the climactic event got us over tue finish line. I wish In The best part of the film there was more remorse from shown from the father. All in all Jennifer Espisoto did a great job. It was a great first film that I highly recommend.
- vinceb-71112
- Aug 15, 2023
- Permalink
Fresh Kills: A fresh and perspective shifting film.
Fresh Kills reaches through the established perimeters of a well-known genre to extract a sympathetic, gut-wrenching, and at times abrasive look into the lives of the typically obscured wives and daughters of the mob. Well written, well cast, with convincing production design and on location shooting, Fresh Kills fairly exhales the atmosphere of 1980/1990s Staten Island, NY. First-time writer/director Jennifer Esposito handles the reins with aptitude and steers the narrative in a way that invites the viewer to not only empathize with the women on screen but to relate to the challenges they face in bearing the burden of their predetermined roles. Authentic performances by the cast flesh out the on-screen characters and leave indelible impressions of their existence that won't fade when the credits roll. Fresh Kills is a notable film. Not perfect- but good. Very, very good.
A One-woman riot...!!!
- PANDIAN120621
- Jul 12, 2024
- Permalink
AMATEUR MOVIE (Straight to Tubi)
I saw this film on opening night. The audience was comprised of Jennifer's family, friends and film students. All who were told to post glowing reviews online. THE TRUTH: THIS FILM WAS TERRIBLE. Plot was barely there, and what you get is endless stereotypical Italian profanity laced dialogue. And the male and female characters essentially speak in the same manner, as if the writer is using the same voice for all characters. This goes to the inexperience in the writing and directing. 2 hours long, 30 of which could have been cut. This is basically a self-funded student film. Tubi is waiting for you.
- IcyRumination
- Jun 15, 2024
- Permalink
Different Take On A Mob Movie
- stevendbeard
- Jun 14, 2024
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Acting is good but needed a stronger story
Ok I love supporting small films, Especially when they surprise me. Now this one was a little bit of a mess. They were trying to establish the sister strong bond so you're unsure if you're following the sisters or father or the mother like where is this leading so it's kind of everywhere for a awhile and you're just trying to figure out the story. I think they should have delved into the fathers violent life and shown that a little bit more to get the gist of what the girls are not realizing the family that their in BUT acting is good. They needed a better story but the ending scene was fantastic, very strong scene between mother and daughter and whoever picked the song did an excellent job. I've never heard the song but it's was perfect for that scene. I probably rewound it three times just to watch the final scene. That was really fantastic. Kudos to you guys for doing that. In the last moment, it really all comes together of a mom who should've done that along time ago and the look between mother and daughter was the love and understanding that passed between them. I hope this crew does more movies just work on getting a better story.
Interesting little indie attempt
Awful movie.
This film was not good at all, the direction was very poor as was the writing and the acting. There
were one or two good moments but for the most part it was trite and predictable.
I found the premise self indulgent and for some reason it just did not hold together. It felt like a mismatch of ideas and ego, which led to inflated scenarios which then just seemed unrealistic. Not sure we will se much else from this writer/director but if we do I think I will probably be avoiding it.
There is something about gangster films that require a level of menace or tension, this movie was unfortunately short on both those key ingredients.
I found the premise self indulgent and for some reason it just did not hold together. It felt like a mismatch of ideas and ego, which led to inflated scenarios which then just seemed unrealistic. Not sure we will se much else from this writer/director but if we do I think I will probably be avoiding it.
There is something about gangster films that require a level of menace or tension, this movie was unfortunately short on both those key ingredients.
- Brotherswan
- Jul 8, 2024
- Permalink
Solid mob movie from the family perspective
Honestly though, the mob stuff felt like the trappings around the real heart of it (to me), what do you do when you feel alone in the midst of family; when everything you know is isolating, when the people who are supposed to be your rock don't understand or relate to you? The undertones of feeling trapped in your life and just needing to run, to get out, hung strong with me. This was so well done, felt so real and lived in. Phenomenal acting, writing, directing, cinematography, wardrobe, everything. It's a drama, not an action movie, and there is no thriller aspect here, just real life trauma.
- davidastoker
- Aug 27, 2024
- Permalink
Oh no?!
Can't complement the cast and director enough.
What a great side of a story that has never been on filmed (well at least that I know of) starts a bit slow, but worth the wait....i grew up in the 70's. My father owned a bar in the combat zone in Boston. I was there weekly. I can understand the "different" life style now that I am an adult.sad times now cause we don't even know our neighbors. I recall walking in the front door of any neighbors house to grab sugar milk bread etc and walking out not even thinking it was an issue. Our dog walked the neighborhood for hours til the school bus came home. Within a 5 mile radius everyone knew all families, kids,pets,extended family members,etc.
- shandie-00387
- Jul 11, 2024
- Permalink
No, not this one...
Here's a clear warning to all movie buffs -- If a single person is listed as producer, writer, director and also acts in the movie, don't bother.
I watched all of about 15 minutes of this one and shut it down. I'm getting too old to waste my time watching bad movies. If it doesn't grab me in the first 15 minutes or so (as most good movies will) I'll just ditch it.
Here's a clear warning to all movie buffs -- If a single person is listed as producer, writer, director and also acts in the movie, don't bother.
I watched all of about 15 minutes of this one and shut it down. I'm getting too old to waste my time watching bad movies. If it doesn't grab me in the first 15 minutes or so (as most good movies will) I'll just ditch it.
I watched all of about 15 minutes of this one and shut it down. I'm getting too old to waste my time watching bad movies. If it doesn't grab me in the first 15 minutes or so (as most good movies will) I'll just ditch it.
Here's a clear warning to all movie buffs -- If a single person is listed as producer, writer, director and also acts in the movie, don't bother.
I watched all of about 15 minutes of this one and shut it down. I'm getting too old to waste my time watching bad movies. If it doesn't grab me in the first 15 minutes or so (as most good movies will) I'll just ditch it.
Secrets Unravel, Loyalties Tested In Family Crime Drama.
The film "Fresh Kills" delves into the criminal underworld of late 1980s Staten Island, with a focus on the women who hold pivotal roles behind the powerful mafia kingpin Joe (Domenick Lambardozzi). Directed by Jennifer Esposito, this award-winning drama unfolds through the perspectives of three women: Francine (Jennifer Esposito): As the devoted yet imperfect matriarch of the Larusso family, Francine's loyalty to the criminal world remains steadfast, even as she grapples with her own imperfections. Connie (Odessa A'zion): The brazen and outspoken daughter unexpectedly becomes entangled in the mafia's affairs. Her role proves essential to the unfolding narrative. The youngest daughter, Rose (Emily Bader), is reserved and discovers her father's criminal ties. Her journey from innocence to awareness becomes a central arc in the film.
As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, "Fresh Kills" weaves a gripping tale of crime, family dynamics, and consequences.
As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, "Fresh Kills" weaves a gripping tale of crime, family dynamics, and consequences.
- movieartgirl
- Jun 25, 2024
- Permalink
Outdated and stereotypical
Overated and too long
If "Fresh Kills" had been condensed into a 90-minute runtime, it might have been a more bearable viewing experience. The film suffers from pacing issues, dragging at points where a tighter edit could have maintained the audience's engagement. While the movie boasts some good acting, it's important to manage expectations, especially for those seeking a typical crime film. Despite the title, there are not many "fresh kills" to speak of. Instead, the film leans heavily into drama, particularly from a female perspective, exploring the emotional and psychological intricacies of life within a Staten Island mob family.
The performances are commendable, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that add depth to their characters. However, the film's strength lies more in its exploration of personal and familial relationships than in delivering the high-stakes action or gritty violence often associated with crime dramas. This shift in focus might leave some viewers feeling disappointed if they anticipated a more traditional crime narrative.
"Fresh Kills" aims to provide a fresh take on the genre by emphasizing the experiences and perspectives of its female characters. This approach offers a unique lens through which to view the mob world, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional and domestic aspects. While this thematic choice enriches the story for some, it might not resonate with those looking for a more conventional crime film experience.
The performances are commendable, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that add depth to their characters. However, the film's strength lies more in its exploration of personal and familial relationships than in delivering the high-stakes action or gritty violence often associated with crime dramas. This shift in focus might leave some viewers feeling disappointed if they anticipated a more traditional crime narrative.
"Fresh Kills" aims to provide a fresh take on the genre by emphasizing the experiences and perspectives of its female characters. This approach offers a unique lens through which to view the mob world, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional and domestic aspects. While this thematic choice enriches the story for some, it might not resonate with those looking for a more conventional crime film experience.
This is what Independent Film is all about!
FRESH KILLS is the BEST film I have seen on the festival circuit in the last 15 years. A gritty, gut wrenching story about two sisters that are stuck in a life they didn't choose... Their father's mob world. BUT, It's NOT a Mob film.
The depth of character these two young actors (Emily Bader & Odessa A'zion) share in their performances, explodes from the script on to the screen, via the expert direction of Esposito. Like all classic Independent Films, FRESH KILLS is intimate and raw, while bursting at the seams with story, content and style. It should be on everyone's must see list for 2024 and beyond!
The depth of character these two young actors (Emily Bader & Odessa A'zion) share in their performances, explodes from the script on to the screen, via the expert direction of Esposito. Like all classic Independent Films, FRESH KILLS is intimate and raw, while bursting at the seams with story, content and style. It should be on everyone's must see list for 2024 and beyond!
- thunderboy-30667
- Oct 15, 2023
- Permalink
The Reason Mob Movies Don't Do This
The reason other mob movies don't show too much of the wife and kids part of it can be seen in this movie.
I don't understand the great reviews. I like the girl from Grand Army but she's an over the top caricature in this movie.
The script is dumb. The acting is poor. And the guy from The Wire isn't believable as a mob boss. I will say, I do like the actress who plays his wife. The main character I could not care less about and she's a total downer...her character is confusing because the writer/director didn't know how to write her.
If you want to watch a mob movie with female leads, watch The Kitchen - I found it a lot better upon second viewing. It's not Goodfellas, but it's enjoyable. This was garbage. Don't bother.
I don't understand the great reviews. I like the girl from Grand Army but she's an over the top caricature in this movie.
The script is dumb. The acting is poor. And the guy from The Wire isn't believable as a mob boss. I will say, I do like the actress who plays his wife. The main character I could not care less about and she's a total downer...her character is confusing because the writer/director didn't know how to write her.
If you want to watch a mob movie with female leads, watch The Kitchen - I found it a lot better upon second viewing. It's not Goodfellas, but it's enjoyable. This was garbage. Don't bother.
- edunlap-12872
- Aug 1, 2024
- Permalink
Raw & Emotional
- caitlingirl-63744
- Jul 12, 2024
- Permalink
Ugh. Waste of time. Is there a 0 stars option??
Would never recommend this to another soul. If I hadn't paid to watch it I wouldn't have finished it. I kept waiting for anything exciting to happen. Anything at all but it dragged into another monotonous repeat of the women smoking. I kept thinking something must be coming right!?? Hoping for any reason to have had good reviews on rotten tomatoes but nope. Anyone who rated this movie good must have been family members of the film. What a waste of time.
Zero stars from my husband too. It's boring, pointless, and way way too long. The story line is girl smoking, talking to mom, driving in car ... repeat.
Zero stars from my husband too. It's boring, pointless, and way way too long. The story line is girl smoking, talking to mom, driving in car ... repeat.
- amberjsnonline
- Aug 31, 2024
- Permalink
An Incredible Film
"Fresh Kills" is an exciting, thought-provoking, and ultimately moving film about two very different sisters - Connie (played by Odessa A'zion) and Rose (played by Emily Bader), and how they deal with growing up in a crime family. Written and directed by Jennifer Esposito in her directorial debut, it's an emotional roller coaster...gritty and violent one moment, heart-breaking the next.
Told from Rose's perspective as she tries her best to take control of her life despite the circumstances, and as she attempts to write her own story.
The acting is phenomenal from all involved, and the script is perfectly paced and resists the urge to go too far, staying firmly rooted in realism.
Rose and Connie are both particularly intriguing characters, and the performances are unforgettable.
I won't give away too much more, but if you're looking for a film about family and redemption, I highly recommend. It's a fresh take on a familiar topic. My biggest takeaway is that the greatest power we have sometimes is the power to change.
Can Rose change course and get behind the wheel of the plane?
Told from Rose's perspective as she tries her best to take control of her life despite the circumstances, and as she attempts to write her own story.
The acting is phenomenal from all involved, and the script is perfectly paced and resists the urge to go too far, staying firmly rooted in realism.
Rose and Connie are both particularly intriguing characters, and the performances are unforgettable.
I won't give away too much more, but if you're looking for a film about family and redemption, I highly recommend. It's a fresh take on a familiar topic. My biggest takeaway is that the greatest power we have sometimes is the power to change.
Can Rose change course and get behind the wheel of the plane?
- kennethholmes87
- Jun 19, 2023
- Permalink
Couldn't stop thinking about this for days after watching!
You know when you KNOW it was a good film?? When you can't stop rerunning scenes through your mind for days after. Every character leaves a mark on you. Deep, nostalgic and breath-gasping and I can't wait to watch it again! Call it "indie", call it her "first film", call it however technical you want...this movie will be talked about by many. To watch a great movie in the genre it is, but from a women's perspective, has finally happened and I am here for it! Well thought out and emotionally REAL. You can literally FEEL what each character is portraying even when they're not speaking. Looking forward to this coming out for the world to feel.
Fresh Kills: A Triumph of Storytelling
In the day and age of mindless studio films with limited perspective, Fresh Kills proves human stories are what audiences are really looking for. The film set in Staten Island during the 80s and 90s offers a glimpse into the Italian-American Larusso family. Sisters Rose and Connie must choose the life chosen for them or break free from the traditional roles they are expected to embrace. Strong performances and outstanding writing/directing by Esposito make this coming of age "mob story" a must see. Jennifer Esposito lights up the screen and showcases her under utilized talent as an actress. Emily Bader and Odessa A'zion deliver Oscar worthy performances. Highly recommended.
- DamonEGonzalez
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Amazing
Great movie!! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but being a big fan of mafia type movies and books I realized I'm seeing what the wife goes through but more so what the kids see it really interesting take I've never seen anything like this I love it and my wife who isn't the biggest fan like me when it comes to mafia stuff loved the look through the woman's eye it a movie we will watch forever like a goodfellas or sopranos great job Jennifer I look forward to seeing more of your work. I love the dads part but Rose and the mom were it for me such a great look into what the families go through.
- naveda-60509
- Jul 23, 2024
- Permalink
ONE OF THE BEST FEMALE MADE FILMS EVA!!
Jennifer Esposito shines in her role here. Well, as everything by. She is director, writer, producer, filmed it, stars in it. What else can you do? All by HERSELF! She didn't have any special help. She took a leap of faith that I say made history, or HERSTORY! It was so well done in every single way. BRAVA! Bellissima. Please watch this movie wherever you can. Movies by you. Streaming on Apple, Amazon Prime, and VUDU films we need more of. Real films. Good films. Not about who is in it. That is not what makes a good story, or a brilliant movie. A director and writer make it come to life. There would be no film or artists to act if they didn't. We need more of this. Females. Women. And empowerment. Jennifer hit every nail on the head in this movie. And nobody can say she didn't. If you didn't enjoy this, you don't know films. Sorry, not sorry!
- DJacoviello
- Jul 6, 2024
- Permalink
The movie of the summer.
Outstanding movie. This movie is for the women! Finally something new, powerful, heartbreaking, and moving!! This independent film should be everywhere and way bigger than it currently is. The music, wardrobe, setting, and decoration made this movie feel like something from my life.
Odessa A'zion was badass &brilliant, Emily Bader is the breakout star she plays this role with such strength & beauty, Jennifer Esposito's directing did not feel like first time- it was perfection AND her acting was just SO good. This movie makes you FEEL- for the characters & for yourself. I really really loved this movie. A new favorite I will be watching over and over again!
Odessa A'zion was badass &brilliant, Emily Bader is the breakout star she plays this role with such strength & beauty, Jennifer Esposito's directing did not feel like first time- it was perfection AND her acting was just SO good. This movie makes you FEEL- for the characters & for yourself. I really really loved this movie. A new favorite I will be watching over and over again!
- gtkirschberg
- Jul 8, 2024
- Permalink