By: Michael Sykes

Staff Writer

Freaky Tales” is a genre-blending action-comedy anthology set in 1987 Oakland, California, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, both of whom have roots in the Bay Area. The film intertwines four interconnected stories featuring a diverse cast of characters, including an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, and neo-Nazis. The movie premiered nationwide in theaters on April 4.

The ensemble cast includes Bay Area talents such as Too Short, Marshawn Lynch, and the late Angus Cloud, alongside Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis. Ben Mendelsohn and Tom Hanks in a cameo role. Set against the backdrop of 1987 Oakland, the film intertwines multiple narratives, featuring characters like an NBA star, a corrupt cop, rap artists, punk rockers, and neo-Nazis, all converging in a chaotic and stylistic sequence of events described as a “multitrack mixtape.”

The film is directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and pays homage to the East Bay’s vibrant history. Particularly reflecting elements from the ’80s. Filmed on location in Oakland, it captures the city’s unique spirit and culture, emphasizing Oakland as a central character in the narrative. The soundtrack features contributions from hip-hop icon Too Short, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of the Bay Area’s music scene. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and received praise for its energetic storytelling and nostalgic homage to 1980s Oakland. It is now playing in theaters.