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.
19 Reviews
Great first effort, I enjoyed a lot about it
vinceb-7111216 August 2023
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.
Worth the watch
keirstin-0015716 May 2024
Fresh Kills really hit home. It was so good, that it actually made me uncomfortable.
The visual esthetics, the characters and the overall sad story. Only someone who had lived or experienced that time could have put that much detail into a film. I thought all the actors did such a great job. Jennifer Esposito did an outstanding job both in producing and acting in this film. It was impressive to see a film focus strongly on women's perspectives in the context of the story. Traditionally, in films of this nature, they are dominated by male roles. The approach of coming from a woman's perspective was empowering and also heartfelt and painful to witness the realities of some families. I would definitely recommend seeing this film. Bravo to all involved.
The visual esthetics, the characters and the overall sad story. Only someone who had lived or experienced that time could have put that much detail into a film. I thought all the actors did such a great job. Jennifer Esposito did an outstanding job both in producing and acting in this film. It was impressive to see a film focus strongly on women's perspectives in the context of the story. Traditionally, in films of this nature, they are dominated by male roles. The approach of coming from a woman's perspective was empowering and also heartfelt and painful to witness the realities of some families. I would definitely recommend seeing this film. Bravo to all involved.
This is what Independent Film is all about!
thunderboy-3066716 October 2023
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!
An Incredible Film
kennethholmes8720 June 2023
"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?
Fresh Kills: A Triumph of Storytelling
DamonEGonzalez11 May 2024
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.
Couldn't stop thinking about this for days after watching!
kimiacono11 May 2024
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.
Interesting little indie attempt
tez_rits25 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
An interesting indie that is trying to offer a unique perspective into the lifes of the women of organized crime. Even tho the movie starts promising and has some good and powerful scenes in it. It also gets swallowed by stereotypes and outdated directions. Like copying the infamous scene of a little girl that's being.pampered up by his mother and allowing the main female protagonists to have an enlightening through it and realization that she's being trapped like James Cameron allowed Rose to have on the titanic. Our packing the classic car scene that every female driven indie must have in its attempt to try and become the new Thelma and Luise. It also becomes emotionally manipulative at times trying to direct the viewers feelings towards a certain narrative instead of allowing the art in it to be fluid.
Odessa Azion and the other girl definitely carried the movie but at the same time let all the other performances next to them fall flat. I couldn't understand if the Mum was just bad at acting or her role was supposed to be jumping in and out of mental illness.
Odessa Azion and the other girl definitely carried the movie but at the same time let all the other performances next to them fall flat. I couldn't understand if the Mum was just bad at acting or her role was supposed to be jumping in and out of mental illness.
Fresh Kills-A little movie that Sizzles!!!!!
lloydzabel11 May 2024
My girl Jennifer Esposito did it! She shoed what could be done, without any help from major people in her community. Fresh Kills is Super fresh. The performances are out of this world! Especially by the seamless Emily Bader. If that girl does not get an Independent Spirit Award or an Oscar nomination there is no hope. Emily is riveting as Rose. She went beyond and above to play a suppressed girl who wants more of herself in a cold dark world she wants to get out of! What a star and she mind blowing in her performance!!! No joke. What a STAR!!!!! Filled with so many shocks and awes, this movie should be on everyone's radar. Especially because this movie is so polished you would think it a 15 million dollar movie but it is a very small budget film. This is a quality movie about life! Every Race, Sexuality, Gender can relate too, if you are wanting more for yourself and want to get out of your situation. A sensational movie for the HUMAN RACE!!!!!! Very Inspiring film that will make you feel all the emotions human beings feel!!!! Go!!!!!!!! You won't be sorry!!!!! You will be inspired!!!!!
Authentic and Singular
sophiapeer12 May 2024
I had the pleasure of catching Fresh Kills at Tribeca last year and it broke so much ground that I'm going back for seconds as soon as it hits theaters. In a story about one family, the film covers mafia living, coming of age, broken familes, and the choices one can make when opportunities are scarce. It captures the essence of outerborough life, resonating with those who have experienced it firsthand. Taking place in Staten Island, the women who are typically peripheral in any organized crime story are the focus, portraying their inner struggles and complexities across generations. The performances are stellar, with each cast member embodying their characters with depth and nuance. During the Q&A, the mother of director and star Jennifer Esposito stood up and said that her daughter had to make her own movie to show the world what she could do. That sentiment is at the heart of Fresh Kills.
Fresh Kills is Dynamite
apisapia-6896611 May 2024
Jennifer Esposito and the cast of Fresh Kills nailed this film emotionally and visually. Everything was so on point. The music. I know every actor isn't from NYC but I am and I notice if I hear an off sounding accent. Every word was on point. Its an important detail that is not always paid attention to . Well let me happily say Fresh Kills hit it outta the park. I saw Fresh Kills film at Tribeca and in the Hamptons Film Festival. Standing ovations. People were crying ok. In the I heard people saying the same thing I was thinking. "I gotta see this again" I can't wait for it to be in the Movie theaters June 14 2024.
A masterpiece in storytelling!
aj_flipmode16 May 2024
It was an honor and a privilege to get to watch this film. The film is authentic to New York, family, Italian-American heritage, Staten Island and what it was like growing up in that era and time. From the outfits to the soundtrack, the attention to detail in Jennifer Esposito's directorial debut was impeccable. The writing is superb, the performances outstanding, strong character development, everyone can see themselves in one or more of these characters. While it is in essence a mob film, it is so much more than that. The heart of the film is in family, the bond between two sisters, how family dynamics shape who you become in life, the challenges of getting over the past and breaking generational curses, the story is so deep! Pay attention to everything, listen to the dialogue, everything ties in full circle. Please go see this film, you will be so happy that you did!
Best Film I've Seen in Years
catyezbak11 May 2024
From the first scene, I was hooked and ready to go on the journey that is "Fresh Kills." This movie moved me from start to finish and took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't want to get off of!
From the cast, to camera angles, to the set design, to the costumes, to the soundtrack (the soundtrack is fire!!) Esposito creates a whole world and drops you right in. Fresh Kills is cinema at its finest.
Jennifer Esposito knows how to make a movie, and I can't wait to see more films from her. I'm also counting the days I get to see Fresh Kills on the big screen, June 14th! Do yourself a favor and mark your calendars.
From the cast, to camera angles, to the set design, to the costumes, to the soundtrack (the soundtrack is fire!!) Esposito creates a whole world and drops you right in. Fresh Kills is cinema at its finest.
Jennifer Esposito knows how to make a movie, and I can't wait to see more films from her. I'm also counting the days I get to see Fresh Kills on the big screen, June 14th! Do yourself a favor and mark your calendars.
*****FABULOUS*****
makowskilinda16 May 2024
What an incredible movie! I was lucky enough to see it at the Tribeca Film Festival last June when I went to support a dear friend of mine who had a part in the movie and I have to say I fell in love with this movie!! It's one of those movies that stay with you forever! Excellent acting, great storyline and so many twists and turns!
I am a huge Jennifer Esposito fan and I think she did a phenomenal job and I hope she makes more movies. I actually pray she makes more movies lol.. I already have plans with a bunch of my friends to go see it on 6/14 and I can't wait!! You must go see this film you will absolutely fall in love!!! 💜💜
I am a huge Jennifer Esposito fan and I think she did a phenomenal job and I hope she makes more movies. I actually pray she makes more movies lol.. I already have plans with a bunch of my friends to go see it on 6/14 and I can't wait!! You must go see this film you will absolutely fall in love!!! 💜💜
Jennifer Esposito is a force of nature
mailforapril12 May 2024
Jennifer Esposito is a creator coming into her own with the release of "Fresh Kills" bringing this story to life and giving women voices that they have so deserved for many decades in Hollywood storytelling. This movie although about a group of women in a certain time in Staten Island NY. Every woman can relate to having to live a life for a world that was set up where they are not who matters most but are doing most of the work. Jennifer is blowing the ceiling wide open with "Fresh Kills" and sending a message (as all good italians do) that it's time to let us drive and if you don't we will take it upon ourselves to drive anyway. This movie is being told at a perfect time and Jennifer is the perfect storyteller to bring it to life!
Fresh perspective. Amazing viewpoint.
gciagne15 May 2024
As an Italian American woman I appreciate the perspective and point of view from the women in these families and environments. Lucky to have. August screening in annapolis md film fest. Jarring because it should be. Yet, realistic in a way that isn't gratuitous. Esposito strikes nerves but gets to the core with the smallest detail and dialogue in such an homage to the time frame and nuances. The food, the hair, the fashion, the grittiness. Authenticity is key and she and this team have honed in on the specifics that you can smell it, almost touch it. I look forward to seeing this in theatres and can't recommend it enough.
I usually fall asleep in the movies
leonardarc11 May 2024
Fresh Kills kept me wide awake and enjoying every single minute of this film. The men in the film. I understand. I get it. But these women. And the story was so moving in a way that had not experienced before. Congratulations to all the cast. Jennifer Esposito's vision is so clear and so inspiring and deeply felt. If you have the opportunity go see this movie. If you don't have the time. Make the time. You're gonna thank me later. I'm waiting til June 14 my birthday to see this again. Get ready folks these characters are gonna be in your thoughts I don't wanna spoil it for anyone but lemme say this film is as real as real is.
Impactful movie and message for all audiences!
evanicolesmedley16 May 2024
Fresh Kills is a cinematic masterpiece that expresses the journey of finding your voice in an environment that wants to keep you constricted and confined. Director and writer Jennifer Esposito shines a light on the women's roles in mafia families and the heavy experiences that occur underneath the surface. A film about breaking out of the cycle of generational trauma and patterns for yourself and generations to come, an experience that any human can relate with, Fresh Kills is an impactful movie that is for any audience. I absolutely cannot wait to watch this movie again on the big screen and share it with friends and family!
A Must See
brookslondi16 May 2024
I had the pleasure of seeing Fresh Kills when it premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and what an enjoyable movie.
The music and the costumes were on point! I felt like I was transported back in time to the 80's and I loved it. I heard many of my favorite songs which triggered some great memories. The style was authentic which allows you to easily believe you are right back in that time period. This was done beautifully.
The characters are written so well that you will have no problem connecting with them, rooting for them, wanting to yell at them. You will have a range of emotions to choose from just take your pick. The storytelling takes you on a ride with the characters in a way that you want to follow them to the end to see what the outcome will be.
Fresh Kills is a must see for the summer without a doubt. Enjoy.
The music and the costumes were on point! I felt like I was transported back in time to the 80's and I loved it. I heard many of my favorite songs which triggered some great memories. The style was authentic which allows you to easily believe you are right back in that time period. This was done beautifully.
The characters are written so well that you will have no problem connecting with them, rooting for them, wanting to yell at them. You will have a range of emotions to choose from just take your pick. The storytelling takes you on a ride with the characters in a way that you want to follow them to the end to see what the outcome will be.
Fresh Kills is a must see for the summer without a doubt. Enjoy.
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