Chapter 4. Horror in the IDF
Freak Out: “The Final Boy” on the Base
Like several New Israeli Horror films, Freak Out (2015) by Boaz Armoni, deals with the army and militarism. It is a horror comedy following a soldier, Matan, a bullied mama’s boy who is out of place on a remote army base. However, once the killings start, Matan has more pressing concerns than bullies. He has no choice but to man up and face the killer.
Questions for discussion
- Which horror tropes and conventions can you identify in Freak Out? Which films does it remind you of?
- What characterizes Freak Out as an Israeli film? You may think of the plot, themes, or settings.
- What is the relationship between the local Israeli characteristics and the global horror tropes in Freak Out? How does the trope of the Final Girl play out in an Israeli context?
- What was the production history of Freak Out? How did it impact the film?
- What was its audience and critical reception?
Availability
Streaming on Tubi