Freaks vs the Reich review – circus acts take on the Nazis in macabre action fantasy | Action and adventure films

A group of misfit circus performers, led by bewhiskered father figure Israel (Giorgio Tirabassi), tour the backwaters of early 1940s Italy. But the troupe falls foul of the occupying Nazi forces – Israel for his Jewish heritage, the others due to their powers (to label them superpowers rather overstates the usefulness of these unique but niche skills). Cencio (Pietro Castellitto) has the ability to wrangle insects. Part-man, part-shagpile carpet Fulvio (Claudio Santamaria) possesses unusual strength. Grinning simpleton Mario (Giancarlo Martini) can stick cutlery to his forehead. Most impressive is teenager Matilde (Aurora Giovinazzo), whose body is charged with electricity.

Throw in an underground amputee resistance movement and a crazed German circus ringmaster with two extra fingers and the gift of premonition (Franz Rogowski, on enjoyably deranged form) and you have this lurid, extravagantly violent Italian action fantasy directed by Gabriele Mainetti. Like a Del Toro-esque carnival of the macabre filtered through the greasy lens of a VHS bargain bin exploitation B-movie, it’s so far over the top, it might as well have been filmed from space. A mess, but enjoyable nonetheless.

A group of misfit circus performers, led by bewhiskered father figure Israel (Giorgio Tirabassi), tour the backwaters of early 1940s Italy. But the troupe falls foul of the occupying Nazi forces – Israel for his Jewish heritage, the others due to their powers (to label them superpowers rather overstates the usefulness of these unique but niche skills). Cencio (Pietro Castellitto) has the ability to wrangle insects. Part-man, part-shagpile carpet Fulvio (Claudio Santamaria) possesses unusual strength. Grinning simpleton Mario (Giancarlo Martini) can stick cutlery to his forehead. Most impressive is teenager Matilde (Aurora Giovinazzo), whose body is charged with electricity.

Throw in an underground amputee resistance movement and a crazed German circus ringmaster with two extra fingers and the gift of premonition (Franz Rogowski, on enjoyably deranged form) and you have this lurid, extravagantly violent Italian action fantasy directed by Gabriele Mainetti. Like a Del Toro-esque carnival of the macabre filtered through the greasy lens of a VHS bargain bin exploitation B-movie, it’s so far over the top, it might as well have been filmed from space. A mess, but enjoyable nonetheless.