SPOILER-FREE 

“But I just don’t eat animals.”

The world of online dating is every woman’s worst nightmare — from the unsolicited pictures to the jaw-dropping messages, online dating is more of a hassle than a pleasure. In her latest film, “Fresh,” Daisy Edgar-Jones accurately portrays these horrifying situations through her role of Noa, a sweet, carefree woman struggling to find love in the age of one night stands and dating apps. 

On an evening trip to the grocery store, Noa interacts with a strikingly handsome and charismatic man who goes by the name Steve. Steve — played by the phenomenal Sebastian Stan — charms his way into Noa’s heart and their relationship begins to blossom. Everything is the picture of perfection, though the score says otherwise.

Composer Alex Somers brilliantly captures the essence of unease through his score as it is laced with dark undertones and hints of danger, which is strategically laid overtop of seemingly joyful scenes. This ominous tune lingers in the background, filling the audience with an unsettling feeling as the film continues its journey through Steve and Noa’s relationship. Noa was shocked that she was able to meet someone in person and not through a screen, but this did have some consequences.

Noa repeatedly ignored any “red flags” that Steve waved, even after her best friend, Mollie, began pointing them out. Eventually, ignoring those flags caught up with her as she finally learns the truth about Steve and what he actually does in his personal life. Steve, the man who once seemed delicious, now made her stomach churn in every possible way.

Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski should be on everyone’s radar at this point; after the success of “Midsommar” and “Hereditary,” it is safe to say there were high expectations for this film and he did not disappoint. Every camera angle was thoroughly thought out and shot with purpose. The focus on mouths had the audience furrowing their brows until everything eventually came together. Pogorzelski is a name to be on the lookout for — he never misses when it comes to psychological thrillers. 

Director Mimi Cave accomplished what no woman has done before — exposed the realities of online dating. She shows how meeting someone in real life does not automatically mean that they are who they claim to be; it is just as easy to lie in person as it is through a screen and Cave displays that through Steve and Noa’s story. “Fresh” is Cave’s first feature film and people are already waiting to see what she does next.

“Fresh” is now streaming on Hulu.