The comedy-thriller Fresh, which marks Mimi Cave’s directorial debut, brings back familiar faces in a different light. Written by Lauryn Kahn, Fresh follows Noa, a young woman feeling thoroughly disappointed with online dating. While shopping for groceries, she meets and takes a liking to Steve. Unfortunately, the new couple’s weekend trip is interrupted by the truth behind Steve’s motives. What seems like a romance story turns dark quickly, partly thanks to the cast’s outstanding performance and chemistry.
Distributed by Searchlight Pictures, Fresh is a collaborative project between Legendary Entertainment and Hyperobject Industries, the production company of Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay. Upon its online premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, the film has garnered positive reviews. Critics have praised the way Fresh has treated what could have easily been an absurd subject. Instead, with Kahn’s take on the horrors of dating, Cave’s work manages to tackle a relatable topic for most of its viewers with a satirical yet captivating twist.
On March 3, Fresh had an in-person premiere, and true to its theme, its pre-screening reception involved a large table with snacks shaped like body parts. The following day, it was released in the United States through the streaming platform Hulu, and in Latin America through Star+ and Disney+. Here is a cast and character guide for Fresh, including where viewers might have previously seen them.
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa
Noa is played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who is best known as Marianne Sheridan in Normal People. For her work in the miniseries, Edgar-Jones has earned Critics’ Choice, BAFTA, and Golden Globe Award nominations. She has also appeared in the 2018 film Pond Life and on the television shows Cold Feet and War of the Worlds. In the thriller Fresh, Noa, who has grown tired of the online dating scene, meets Steve, a charming, seemingly ordinary man. Little does she know, she is set to discover a secret that disturbs their relationship.
Sebastian Stan as Steve
Steve is Noa’s love interest in Fresh. He maintains a facade that has lured not only Noa, but also several other women, into his covert operation. Steve is portrayed by Sebastian Stan, who most recently starred as Mötley Crüe drummer and Pamela Anderson’s ex-husband Tommy Lee in the Hulu biographical miniseries Pam & Tommy. Stan is also a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he plays Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier. He has also appeared in films like I, Tonya and The 355, and on television shows like Once Upon a Time and Political Animals.
Jonica T. Gibbs as Mollie
Mollie is Noa’s best friend, who instantly doubts Steve’s true intention. She is played by Jonica T. Gibbs, who stars in the BET comedy series Twenties. Prior to Fresh, she had a recurring role in the drama Good Trouble.
Dayo Okeniyi as Paul
Paul is a local bartender who had a sexual relationship with Mollie. Earlier in the film, he encounters Steve and Noa on their date. He is played by Dayo Okeniyi, known for his role as Thresh in The Hunger Games movie adaptation. Okeniyi is also a part of The Spectacular Now, Terminator Genisys, Good Kids, and Emperor.
Charlotte Le Bon as Ann
Ann is just one of Steve’s secrets and someone he has a significant connection with. She is portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon, who has amassed a number of roles in French films and television shows. Her filmography includes Yves Saint Laurent (2014), Bastille Day (2016), Iris (2016), and Berlin, I Love You (2019).
Andrea Bang as Penny
Penny is another woman who runs afoul of Steve. She is portrayed by Andrea Bang. For her leading role as Janet Kim in the canceled sitcom Kim Convenience, she received a Canadian Screen Award nomination. Most recently, she is seen in Luce and A Million Little Things.
Brett Dier as Chad
At the beginning of Fresh, Noa is on a date with Chad, who then makes her realize just how tiresome meeting and dating people online is. Chad is played by Brett Dier. His previous roles include Mr. Young, The L.A. Complex, Ravenswood, and Jane the Virgin.