Los Frikis

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Los Frikis

R

Released Dec 20, 2024

1h 45m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

85%

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26 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

50+ Verified Ratings

Inspired by true events, Los Frikis is a powerful coming-of-age story set in early 90s Cuba, centering around 18-year-old Gustavo who idolizes his older brother Paco and his punk, "Frikis" bandmates. When word reaches the Frikis of a potential reprieve from the effects of the economic crisis that plunged much of the country into poverty, they do the now unthinkable: self-inject themselves with HIV to live at a government-run treatment home. It's here they find their own utopia to live and play music freely.

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Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

“Los Frikis” is a complicated movie with good intentions and the goal of sharing underreported stories from the island.

Rated: 2/4

Dec 28, 2024

Full Review

Daniella Mazzio

Chicago Reader

The first half of Los Frikis is vibrant, less interested in how punk looks than how resistance feels.

Dec 24, 2024

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Carlos Aguilar

Variety

Rather than simplistically lionizing the frikis, the directors honor their plight by portraying them as an example of how the human spirit perseveres even when nearly crushed.

Dec 21, 2024

Full Review

Sonny Bunch

The Bulwark

Los Frikis is a startling portrait of a world not too far from our own in distance or time that nevertheless feels a universe away, as well as a stirring reminder of the power art holds to captivate our souls.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 28, 2025

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Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

An incredibly moving and soulful story of young castoffs in 1990s Cuba who are sent to a remote camp for HIV-positive people -- many of them intentionally self-infected -- who end up creating a chaotic but empathetic community.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 28, 2025

Full Review

Juanma Fernández París

El Nuevo Día (Puerto Rico)

... even though one can anticipate how this story will end, the emotional journey remains compelling. [Full review in Spanish]

Jan 15, 2025

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Dalia

heartbreaking story. although this movie made me beyond sad i’m happy i was able to watch and support. every character, and every person that played said character, was beautiful. and i don’t mean beautiful as in good looking, i mean beautiful as in art. just go watch it and keep an open mind and heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/12/25

Full Review

Tracy

The acting and the authenticity of this film are impressive, as is its ability to mirror universal themes and portray joy and sadness in a meaningful balanced way.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/08/25

Full Review

Stacy

Wish there were more movies like this one out there, a powerful story, beautifully told through the eyes of the characters and the camera of the cinematographer.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/08/25

Full Review

Marisel R

The characters bring so much light to an obviously dark situation that it feels like you are participating with them in real time as they try to make the best of the situation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

Full Review

Jordan

I liked how well the movie explores the ability of two brothers to bond and to make the most of living in the moment. The cast is terrific.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

Full Review

Emily

I liked the subtle humor and character development.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

Full Review

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Tyler Nilson

Director

Michael Schwartz

Director

Héctor Medina

Actor

Eros de la Puente

Actor

Adria Arjona

Actor

Luis Alberto Garcia

Actor

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Synopsis

Inspired by true events, Los Frikis is a powerful coming-of-age story set in early 90s Cuba, centering around 18-year-old Gustavo who idolizes his older brother Paco and his punk, "Frikis" bandmates. When word reaches the Frikis of a potential reprieve from the effects of the economic crisis that plunged much of the country into poverty, they do the now unthinkable: self-inject themselves with HIV to live at a government-run treatment home. It's here they find their own utopia to live and play music freely.

Director: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
Producer: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Jordan Fudge, Jeremy Allen, Aditya Sood, Rebecca Karch, Michael Schwartz, Tyler Nilson
Screenwriter: Michael Schwartz, Tyler Nilson
Distributor: Falling Forward Films
Production Co: Lord Miller, New Slate Films, New Slate Ventures
Rating: R (Some Graphic Nudity|Drug Use|Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 28, 2025
Runtime: 1h 45m

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