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Freak Show is an American comedy-drama film released in 2017 that explores the life of a young, flamboyant teenager called Billy Bloom, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Directed by Trudie Styler and featuring an all-star cast, including Alex Lawther, Ian Nelson, and AnnaSophia Robb, this inspirational movie is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by James St. James.

Billy, portrayed superbly by Alex Lawther, is a teenager who doesn't fit the mold of his conservative high school in a small town in the US. He is unapologetically himself, with bold fashion choices, and a personality that refuses to be dimmed by the box that his peers attempt to put him in. He is passionate about the values that he holds dear, including tolerance, self-expression, and kindness. Despite being different from his peers, Billy refuses to change or assimilate to conform to the societal expectations set upon him, a true testament of strength and courage.

Billy's search for his identity becomes further complicated when he moves to his father's home in a conservative part of Florida. Billy's father, a wealthy businessman, is distant, unapproachable, and doesn't quite understand his son's eccentricities. Billy is also met with bullies such as Lynette (played by Abigail Breslin) who takes a liking to tormenting him. As the movie goes on, Billy is outed by his snobbish classmates, turning him into a target of ridicule and disdain among his peers. However, with the help and support of his mother (Bette Midler) and a few unlikely allies, Billy learns that his uniqueness is his strength, and he can use it to bring about positive transformations in the world.

The movie highlights not only the struggles of being different from the norm but also the effect of bullying and discrimination on an individual's mental health. Freak Show is a coming-of-age tale of empowerment and discovery that encourages viewers from all walks of life to stand up and own their individuality.

AnnaSophia Robb plays the role of Blah Blah Blah, a fellow student who is also on the fringe of society, and becomes the first ally in Billy's newfound path to self-discovery. Billy and Blah Blah are united by their shared experiences of not quite fitting into society's mold and are two of the more eccentric students in their high school. Despite the bullying and ridicule they both face, they come out stronger, teaching each other valuable lessons on trust, acceptance, and self-confidence.

Ian Nelson portrays the role of Flip Kelly, the school's star quarterback and the epitome of conformity in the small Florida town. Flip is big on appearance and social standing, something that makes him initially distant from Billy. The two characters eventually find common ground, though, as Flip begins to take an interest in Billy's individuality, to the point where he becomes his prom date.

The movie's soundtrack features an impressive lineup of classic and contemporary hits that perfectly complement the story's themes. The music features the likes of glam rock band T.Rex, Blondie, Lizzo, and Sheena Easton, as well as Alex Lawther performing the David Bowie number "Heroes" in drag.

Freak Show tackles issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and appearance in a poignant and humorous way. Trudie Styler's directing stylings bring a unique whimsicality to the movie, making the character's spark of individuality, fashion, and attitude, something to celebrate rather than mock. The wonderful cinematography and vibrant colors make the film visually captivating, and the compelling acting performances from the main cast all combine to give viewers a thought-provoking and heartwarming experience.

In conclusion, Freak Show is a heartwarming, captivating, and thought-provoking movie that encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and stand up for what is right, no matter how different they may be. Featuring a strong ensemble cast, a fantastic soundtrack, and masterful directing, the movie leaves a lasting impression on viewers, inspiring them to go out into the world, be themselves, and fight for equal rights and acceptance for all, regardless of their individual differences.

Freak Show is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 54.