Freak Show 2018 Watch Full Movie

Freak Show: A Story of Acceptance and Courage

We meet Billy Bloom gazing into the mirror, planning his make-up, and know he is no ordinary teen. Flashing back to his younger years, his indulgent, flamboyant, alcoholic mother “Muv” worships him, actively encouraging him to dress up. It causes much arguing between his mother and conservative father Bill who separate. He lives with her for seven years in Connecticut before being transported to live in his wealthy father’s mansion in the deep south after her sudden disappearance (later revealed to be rehab).

Struggles of Identity

Billy retreats more into his world of fantasy dress up, ignoring housekeeper Florence’s advice to dress conservatively, like in jeans, for his first day at the local high school. However his idea of conservative is quite flamboyant, with eyeliner and lipstick, a ruffled pirate top, little black jacket and hat. He is ostentatiously overfamiliar, leading to him being quickly ostracized.

Support and Resilience

No one speaks to him positively on the first day, but on the second, not only does Mary Jane befriend him, giving the lowdown on the most prominent students, but “Flip” Kelly introduces himself. He is the school hero, and also shows Billy his support. When the three girl clique of bullies ask Billy for fashion tips, he brilliantly tears them apart, then there’s the jocks, and the loner Bernie with a deep-seated resentment towards him, a mask for something deeper. (Later on, he tries it on with him in the boys toilet, but wants to stay in the closet.)

Billy’s biology teacher allows students to constantly bully him, treating him stereotypically as someone assumed to be gay. To retaliate, he wears outrageous outfits for weeks to combat the onslaught of spitballs launched at him. It culminates to the day he dons a completely outlandish, mini-length wedding gown with a veil and garish red makeup. Billy’s detoured to the lecture hall, where five or six jocks beat him to within an inch of his life. Flip and another stop them, but he is in a coma for five days.

Empowerment and Acceptance

Flip visits Billy regularly during the coma, and he convinces him to help him home. After seeing Larry’s Jackson Pollock, Flip opens up about his preference of art over football. Mary Jane keeps him up-to-date on developments at school, applauding his martyrdom which has paved everyone’s way. The administration expelled those who attacked him and has assemblies about hate crimes to aid tolerance.

As high school is typically about conforming, fitting in and not drawing attention to yourself, Flip tries to get Billy to tone himself down during school hours. The next day, Billy does a theatrical presentation for his Great Gatsby book report dressed and acting as Zelda Fitzgerald. Later that day, an incident in gym at the rope climb, triggers a homophobic reaction towards him.

A Triumph of Individuality

Billy’s dad congratulates him on his victory, of facing the challenge unafraid, and speaking his truth. On the school campus, his real triumph can be seen. People are less afraid to show themselves and there is greater tolerance, a joyful embrace of diversity.

Watch the full movie of Freak Show to witness the journey of Billy Bloom and the power of authenticity in a world that strives for conformity and acceptance.