Katie Aselton and Dax Shepard in The Freebie.
Review: The Freebie
Can infidelity solve a sexual rut? Katie Aselton's perceptive new film tackles the notion with sensitivity and realism
By Bryan Johnson
Published: October 19th, 2010 | 10:25am
People often don't know what they want, and psychology has proved it. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of us have a difficult time predicting our future behaviors and desires. Even if we think we want something, it may not necessarily make us happy when we get it, just like the main characters in Katie Aselton’s directorial debut, The Freebie. In the film, married couple Annie and Darren think they will know how things will turn out when they decide to “experiment with their relationship"—meaning they'll each allow one another a single night of no-strings-attached relations with a stranger—naively assuming that things won't get weird.
At first glance, the couple (played by director Aselton and Dax Shepard) seems to have the perfect life. They get along great, communicate openly, and have wonderful, supportive friends. But they haven’t had sex for months. In fact, they can’t even remember the last time they had sex—and thus devise the infidelity experiment. Predictably enough, Annie and Darren do get weirded out, each struggling with the notion of the other sleeping with someone new. Though the plot offers few surprises, the characters, the pacing, and the film's naturalistic feel allow for an enjoyable and engaging experience.
Mining similar territory as the excellent short-lived HBO series Tell Me You Love Me (which was canceled after one season) and some of the more relationship-driven entries in the mumblecore mini-genre (like Nights and Weekends
Both actors really commit to their characters and manage to make the relationship feel very lived in and relatable. Additionally, Aselton proves herself behind the camera with the scenes involving the night of infidelity, building suspense and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. This tension mounts until the inevitable conclusion, when communication breaks down and heartache and jealousy hit hard and honestly. The Freebie offers a genuine rumination on relationships and how difficult it is to maintain even the best of them.
Issue #33
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Heather (about 1 year)
Great review. Well written and informative. Based on the review, I think I'll chance the movie.
Darvinian (about 1 year)
Review pulled me in to see a movie I wouldn't have otherwise. Well done, son.