Mimi Cave Gives Audiences a Fresh Look into Modern Dating

Written by Katerina Plescia

Sebastian Stan as Steve (left) and Daisy Edger-Jones as Noa (right) in Fresh Photo Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Online dating has catapulted the millennial and Gen Z cohort from avoiding the awkward and often cringe-worthy “meet-cutes” that were made popular by Meg Ryan and Amanda Bynes, to safely taking refuge behind a screen and getting to know a partner through instant messaging and photographs found after hours of Instagram searching. The majority of users are well aware of the risks when signing their souls away to the cult of online dating apps. These include, but are not limited to: catfishing, stalking, scammers, cheating partners, weirdos, and much more. Struggling to find honesty and adoration, all online daters strive for the romance they’ve seen on the silver screen. 

Mimi Cave’s directorial debut reveals an unusual and chilling approach to the unpredictable world of modern dating. As a consequence of living in a society where dating happens through emojis and Snapchats, prospective singles have lowered their standards when faced with dating in the real world. Cave explores the issue of lowering what one expects from a suitor’s pursuits and dives headfirst into a mysterious relationship in her thrilling film, Fresh. Beneath the horror atmosphere and shocking plot twists, Cave divulges how fast individuals are willing to trust when cinematic love is on the line. 

Cave’s haunting narrative follows a young woman, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who has experienced her fair share of failure in the online dating community. In the first act, Noa exhibits an inability to connect with partners due to her negative outlook on the uncertainty of long-term commitment and men’s general dating etiquette. Upon meeting an attractive stranger at the supermarket, Noa and the man, Steve (Sebastian Stan), have a flirtatious exchange and go their separate ways after trading phone numbers. 

Following a handful of successful dates, Noa’s prior pessimistic views are diminished due to Steve’s chivalrous and charming nature. Though the couple hasn’t been dating each other for long, Noa accepts Steve’s invitation to spend a weekend away in a remote “surprise” location. Abandoning the safety of the city and cell phone service, Noa’s whereabouts remain a mystery until her best friend, Mollie (Jonica T. Gibbs), senses something may be wrong. The second act of Cave’s masterpiece drastically changes the film’s genre from romantic comedy to a horrifying thriller. 

Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa (left) and Jonica T. Gibbs as Mollie (right) Photo Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

While the genre shift in the midst of the film occurs and makes viewers anxious to watch Steve’s carnivorous habits, Cave utilized this tone change to her advantage in the narrative. As opposed to beginning the film with an ominous atmosphere, a familiar feeling for horror fans as audiences look onto an innocent family walking into a house of death, Cave chooses a unique route. Starting Fresh off as a romantic comedy, a young woman searching for love in a materialistic and online world, draws viewers into a story they can connect with. When discovering the truth about Steve, this discovery emulates how all victims feel when swindled by a catfish or liar. The shocking turn of events from romance to horror reveals the harsh nature of the modern world of dating. 

Aside from the jaw-dropping plot and horrifying turn in events, Cave incorporated a subtle motif of feminism and the strength of platonic love throughout Fresh. From the first scene, Mollie openly speaks her mind and vocalizes her care for Noa’s well-being and happiness. As Steve swindells Noa and whisks her away to their “surprise” getaway,  Mollie’s persistence and passion for Noa completely derails his plans. Cave breaks away from the traditional rom-com, where the girl and guy live happily ever after, and instead pits girl against guy with her ride or die. This theme proves to female audiences that not every partner will be the one and you will make regrettable mistakes, however, happiness and fulfillment come in a variety of forms. The love that Mollie and Noa have for each other, and their strength as young women, drives them to fight for their independence and survival.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in late January of 2022 before being released on the streaming platform, Hulu, on March 4th. The overall consensus surrounding the picture was positive, receiving 81% Rotten Tomatoes. 

Director: Mimi Cave

Running Time: 1 hour 57 minutes

Trailer Link for Fresh

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Katerina is a senior at Pace University in Pleasantville, NY. After graduation, she aspires to work as an entertainment journalist, centering her writing around music, film, and the arts. She grew up in Bethel, NY and is a dog mom to a Pitbull rescue, Maddie. Find more of her work on her website or Instagram.