Katie Aselton and Dax Shepard deliver strong performances in "The Freebie"
Some may know Katie Aselton (The Puffy Chair, Easier with Practice) as an actress, but this year she made her mark as a writer/director with her new film, The Freebie, a romantic dramedy about a contented, but sexually frustrated, couple’s experiment to allow each other “one night off.” The film is produced by Adele Romanski and executive produced by Aselton and husband Mark Duplass.
The Freebie centers on a young couple, Darren (When in Rome’s Dax Shepard) and Annie (Aselton). At the start, Darren and Annie appear to have an enviable relationship built on love and trust: they still enjoy each other’s company and laugh at each other’s jokes. But one night in bed, they realize that they can’t remember the last time they had sex. It’s not just that sex is non-existent, but also that neither of them has noticed this near-celibacy that causes them worry. Rather than try to understand why these desires are lacking, they plot a way to spice things up.
The deal? Each of them will have a “freebie”: one night of freedom, no strings attached, no questions asked. Afterwards, they would come back together to enjoy their recharged relationship. Although this seems logical, questions linger: Will they each be able to go through with it? Will they all be able to face each other when all is said and done?
With a keen eye and fresh take, Aselton’s directorial debut shines with crisp storytelling. Performances by Aselton and Shepard are honest. The story raises questions about security and trust, and how we react when our feelings of safety are threatened. Asleton does well to keep the story simple, keeping extra plot twists and characters to a minimum, which adds to the overall power and impact of the film
Aselton made a good choice in using Humpday cinematographer, Benjamin Kasulke, whose skill in informal, documentary-like shooting helps emphasize the naturalistic feeling generated by the dialogue and performances.
After a lot of good buzz at its late night screenings, a bidding war for The Freebie came to an end when Phase 4 Films acquired the North American rights in a mid-six figure deal. Phase 4 Films then announced that it will be distributing the film to theaters this summer.
“The Freebie is one of those rare, Sundance movies that you know is destined to be a classic,” said Phase 4 Films’ Berry Meyerowitz. “In her directorial debut, Katie Aselton has created an enchanting and refreshingly honest look at modern love that rivals Hollywood studio fare. Aselton shines both behind and in front of the camera, and is met every step of the way by her co-star Dax Shepard. We think this film is really going to connect with audiences and we couldn’t be happier to be in business with Katie, Dax, Mark Duplass and Adele Romanski.”
The deal provided a happy ending to the festival for Aselton. “This is a great climax to a fantastic experience at Sundance,” she said. “After heated discussion with several buyers over the weekend, ultimately it was Phase 4 Films’ passion for the film and innovative distribution ideas that won us over. I can’t wait to start working with them on the release of the film!”
Katie Aselton with her cast & crew at a Sundance screening.
The Freebie had been a part of the inaugural NEXT section at Sundance, a selection of no/low budget films that demonstrated that large-scale productions are not needed to create big art and take creative risks. This new category is long overdue and greatly welcome, as filmmakers, such as Aselton and the Duplass brothers, have done great work to expand the sub-genre known as mumblecore.
For those unfamiliar with mumblecore, it is an American independent film movement that has developed over the past decade. This movement is often characterized by ultra-low budget production, improvised scripts, non-professional actors, and stories that focus on personal relationship and human dynamics. With so much stripped away, these films live and die based on story and performance.
The Freebie explores an option that many people are afraid to consider, and takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of the consequences that follow. In spite of many sweet, comedic moments, this film often confronts the conversations we’re often not prepared to have. With this bold first film, it is safe to say we can expect great things to come from Aselton in the years to come.