Our latest heart monitoring session featured the film Fresh (2022), a new horror/thriller/comedy on Hulu. We happened to find a test subject who suffers from carnophobia or the fear of meat. Crystal gave up eating meat a few years ago so we were curious if her heart (and stomach) would be affected by the unusual delicacy served up by first time director Mimi Cave and her new film Fresh (2022).
Fresh (2022) was recommended to us by one of our favorite horror fiends on Instagram @wee_creepy_nook. If you have a heart racing recommendation come find us on social media @FearScale and send us a message!
SYNOPSIS:
The horrors of modern dating seen through one young woman’s defiant battle to survive her new boyfriend’s unusual appetites.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Test Subject: Crystal
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Fears: Carnophobia (Fear of eating meat)
Resting HR: 60-65bpm
Walking HR: 80-85bpm
ANALYSIS:
Our subject relaxed into the couch with a resting heart rate of 63bpm. She immediately showed signs of enjoyment during a lighthearted dating scene and was lulled comfortably into what appeared to be a romantic comedy. But a brief moment of tension produced a jolt to 72bpm occurring at 6:00. The scene, however, was too short to sustain high levels. Twenty minutes into the film, our subject attempted to figure out the direction of the storyline. That wouldn’t happen for another ten minutes when her face pressed into the pillow and she cringed while the grotesque nature of the plot revealed itself.
Each uncomfortable interaction between the actors encapsulated a bit of dread which kept her heart rate climbing ever so slightly. The forty five minute mark brought flashbacks of American Psycho as our subject witnessed light hearted debauchery over a retro soundtrack. At this point she wanted to stop watching but her curiosity along with the strap from our heart monitor around her wrist wouldn’t allow her to leave. Luckily she made it to the third act, where we recorded one of our quickest jumps on a FearScale. At 1:35:00, our subject’s heart rate was reading a mild 68bpm but then rocketed to 89bpm by 1:37:00. She screamed in anguish at the bloody finale unfolding before her.
CONCLUSION:
Fresh (2022) is a slow roasting feast that builds to a stomach churning climax. Share on X While our scale reflects low numbers during the first half of the film, our subject commented on an underlying unease throughout. She ended the film with a queasy, uncomfortable feeling. Fresh affects each individual differently. While some viewers may enjoy the dark humor, others may find it dull and disgusting. Fresh (2022) is not terribly scary in the moment but it’s a film that will leave you questioning your next bite of meat…
Fresh (2022): Burns an average of 184 Calories
Pork Butt: 228 Calories
How many Fear Calories did you burn watching Fresh? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
