Streaming Frankie Freako: Where to Watch the Goblin Comedy

Frankie Freako is a bizarre, fun-filled horror-comedy from Canadian filmmaker and SFX master Steven Kostanski. Known for his unique blend of practical effects and absurd humor, Kostanski returns with a nostalgic nod to 1980s chaos-creature films like Gremlins and Ghoulies in this throwback flick. Starring Conor Sweeney, Adam Brooks, Kristy Wordsworth, and Meredith Sweeney, Frankie Freako combines the zany world of interdimensional goblins with a hapless yuppie’s personal crisis.

The Storyline

The film follows Conor Sweeney (conveniently played by himself), an uptight office worker whose dull life is upended after he makes a call to a late-night party hotline. Conor, who leads a bland existence, is desperate for something more exciting—he's a man who thinks ordering a pizza with two types of cheese is living on the edge. Enter Frankie Freako, a pint-sized rock n’ roll goblin who promises a wild time to anyone who dials his number. Conor, tired of being called "square" by his boss and wife, makes the call, unknowingly inviting chaos into his life.

Conor wakes up to find his house trashed and a gang of three goblins—Frankie Freako, Dottie Dunko, and Boink Bardo—who provide evidence of a wild night he's already forgotten. But these mischievous goblins have no intention of leaving, forcing Conor to join them on an adventure to save their universe from their own dystopian world of intergalactic corporate overlords.

Cast and Characters

• Conor Sweeney as Conor – A stiff, uptight yuppie who accidentally summons Frankie Freako and his goblin gang.
• Adam Brooks as Mr. Buechler – Conor’s sleazy boss who criticizes him for being too "square."
• Kristy Wordsworth as Kristina – Conor’s stunning wife, who's frustrated by his lack of excitement.
• Matthew Kennedy as Frankie Freako – The maniacal, rock n’ roll goblin who leads the interdimensional goblin group.
• Meredith Sweeney as Dottie Dunko – A gun-slinging Western goblin.
• Adam Brooks as Boink Bardo – A tech-obsessed cyborg goblin.

Nostalgic Vibes and Practical Effects

Steven Kostanski, best known for his work on Psycho Goreman and The Void, showcases his masterful use of practical effects in Frankie Freako. The movie is filled with retro, handmade effects that are a throwback to the 1980s creature-feature era. The goblins—rubbery, weird, and hilarious—bring a charm reminiscent of Gremlins and Ghoulies. They’re low-budget, intentionally campy, and wholly entertaining.

Kostanski’s love for classic practical effects is on full display, whether it’s through the minecart chase scenes in the goblin world or the sticky mess left by Conor’s goblin-filled night of partying. The goblin designs—although simple—carry a nostalgic warmth that’ll hit home for fans of ‘80s horror-comedy.

Themes and Humor

At its core, Frankie Freako is about breaking free from the constraints of societal norms and embracing one’s inner freak. Conor, the ultimate square, is a character trapped in a monotonous life until the goblins (literally) tear apart his boring reality. The film plays with the idea of personal transformation in the most chaotic and ridiculous way possible. Through a series of absurd, laugh-out-loud scenarios, Conor learns to let go and embrace the bizarre.

The humor in Frankie Freako is rooted in its absurdity. If you're easily irritated by the word "freaky," this movie may not be for you—because it leans heavily into its freaky theme. From the goblins’ ridiculous antics to the intentionally campy dialogue, the movie revels in its own weirdness.

A Throwback to 80s Creature Features

Frankie Freako doesn’t shy away from its inspirations. Fans of cult classics like Gremlins and Critters will find themselves in familiar territory, with a storyline that feels like a love letter to the golden age of horror-comedy. The movie also plays into the absurdities of '80s kids' movies, with silly, over-the-top characters, ridiculous plot twists, and a gleeful disregard for logic. It’s a throwback that never takes itself too seriously, which is part of its charm.

A Practical Effects Master at Work

Steven Kostanski’s background as an FX makeup artist is a highlight throughout the film. Having worked on major productions like Pacific Rim and Star Trek: Discovery, Kostanski knows how to craft practical effects that are both fun and visually striking. In Frankie Freako, the goblins take center stage, their weird, rubbery appearances making them the true stars of the movie.

Whether it's the messy aftermath of the goblin party or the interdimensional battle scenes, the film's visual creativity makes it a must-watch for fans of old-school effects.

Release and Reception

After premiering at Fantastic Fest, Frankie Freako has been praised for its charming throwback to 1980s horror-comedy. Its mix of slapstick humor, practical effects, and bizarre characters make it a fun ride, especially for those who grew up watching VHS creature features.

Frankie Freako is a delightfully bizarre film that offers a refreshing take on the horror-comedy genre. Packed with practical effects, absurd humor, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, it’s the perfect after-hours movie for fans of cult classics. With Steven Kostanski at the helm, the film delivers exactly what it promises—a freaky, chaotic adventure that’s equal parts weird and wonderful. Whether you’re in it for the goblin mischief or the practical effects, Frankie Freako is a fun watch that’s sure to awaken your inner freak.