REVIEW: ‘Freestyle’ Lacks Depth

Freestyle, directed by Maciej Bochniak and available for streaming on Netflix, takes viewers on a high-stakes journey through the Polish crime underworld. Starring Maciej Musialowski as Diego, a newly sober rapper from Krakow, the film offers an enticing premise but falls short of fully delivering on its potential. While it initially captivates with a compelling narrative, it eventually loses its grip, weighed down by a surplus of convoluted twists that, in the end, detract from the overall experience.

The film places Diego at the forefront, a character whose past remains veiled in mystery. Rather than providing explicit background information, the film gradually unravels Diego’s history as characters allude to his recent stint in rehab, welcoming him back into a world they had thought he’d left behind. Diego appears calm and composed on the surface, but his quiet moments betray his grander aspirations, hinting at a desire for more than his current circumstances offer.

He’s introduced as a likable main character – flawed but driven by a desire to do right. There’s a sense of hope that he might escape his current life, and it’s easy to root for him, especially as he navigates the treacherous Polish drug scene filled with unsavory characters.

Diego’s journey is intertwined with that of Flour, his friend and rap partner. Flour, however, proves to be an inept and reckless companion, jeopardizing their musical career by squandering their earnings on drugs instead of investing in their music or repaying debts. This creates an ongoing strain on their relationship, and as Diego’s ambitions exceed his abilities and a deal with a Slavic boss goes awry, he is forced to navigate a treacherous path to save Flour. Balancing the intricate dynamics of various gang factions while staying alive and preserving his dreams of a rap career becomes an uphill battle, threatening to shatter his aspirations.

As the film enters its second act, cracks begin to appear in the narrative. The subplot involving Diego’s secret lover, Miki who is also entangled in the drug world, while passionate and well-executed in terms of physical chemistry, fails to feel genuine. Their relationship seems more like a contrived attempt to add tension rather than a truly forbidden love story. Some scenes linger too long, disrupting the overall pacing. It’s hard to believe that, amid the chaos, Diego can find time for a secret rendezvous with Miki.

Their chemistry lacks the depth needed to make them a compelling couple, leaving us questioning Diego’s true motives. Is his goal to become a successful rapper, return to his former criminal life, or simply be with Miki? The film could have benefited from a more substantial exploration of Diego’s relationship with Miki to make sense of his choices amidst the chaos.

By the time the third act rolls around, Diego proves himself to be a character who continually sabotages his own progress. His endearing personality wears thin as he repeatedly makes poor decisions, leaving audiences to wonder how the plot will conveniently protect him from dire consequences. This narrative convenience feels increasingly unbelievable, especially as the third act speeds through various locations, with Diego frantically maneuvering to avoid peril. The film attempts to redeem itself with an additional twist towards the end, but it’s executed in such a way that it becomes glaringly obvious, further undermining our understanding of Diego’s motivations. Despite his posturing throughout the movie, Diego starts to feel insignificant, making it challenging to continue rooting for him.

In the end, Freestyle falls short of its initial promise by relying too heavily on third-act twists to drive the plot forward. The movie juggles too many ideas simultaneously, leaving viewers with a muddled sense of the narrative. It strives to set Diego apart from the unsavory characters surrounding him but ultimately portrays him as merely a sober version of the people he seeks to distance himself from. The film’s potential for emotional engagement hinges on the development of Diego’s relationships, particularly with Miki, but it falls short.

Freestyle missed the mark. The film lacks the depth and resonance necessary to truly connect with Diego as a character. It falls short of achieving the emotional payoff it aspires to deliver despite its intriguing premise that could have warranted a sequel. Ultimately, like its protagonist, Diego, the movie ends up feeling like a pale imitation of the genre it seeks to draw inspiration from, concluding with a forgettable and unsatisfying ending.

Freestyle is streaming now on Netflix.