Freakier Friday 2025 Review

Somebody pinch me—Lindsay Lohan is back! Jamie Lee Curtis is back! Chad Michael Murray is back! Is this a millennial fever dream, or have I just travelled back in time to 2003? [Insert millennial squeal of excitement here!]

I’ve been waiting for a Freaky Friday sequel since I was nine. Like, literally, every single nine-year-old in the world had it pencilled in their imaginary movie calendar. And yes… Chad Michael Murray as Jake is my celebrity crush. So, to say I was ready for Freakier Friday is an understatement. Watching it felt like opening a time capsule filled with childhood memories, laughter, and pop culture nostalgia.

The original story you know well: two people who don’t get along magically swap bodies for a day. In Freakier Friday, the body-swapping magic gets a multigenerational upgrade. This time, it’s Anna’s daughter Harper (Julia Butters) and soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily Reyes who find themselves in a mix-up that sends them, and their mother and grandmother, into each other’s shoes.

Two decades later, Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) is navigating a blended family situation that feels very real. Harper and Lily have never gotten along, and things aren’t helped by a school incident that landed their parents in the same teacher meeting after their kids accidentally blew up a science lab. Meanwhile, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) is thriving with her therapy podcast and “co-parenting” life, much to Anna’s mixed frustration. Anna can’t help feeling undermined by her mother, who seems to always insert herself into Harper’s life, making Anna’s own parenting struggles feel even more visible.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman and Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman

Both girls agree on one thing: their parents should not get married. Lily knows that if her dad, Eric Reyes (Manny Jacinto), ties the knot with Anna, she won’t return to England. And Anna, well… she’s not ready to see her mother’s love life bloom either and leave Los Angeles.

Enter the bachelorette party and a mystical palm reader, Madame Jen (Vanessa Bayer), who delivers a chilling prediction to Harper and Lily, "change the hearts you know are wrong to reach the place where you belong." And, lo and behold, the very next day, the chaos begins. Anna wakes up in Harper’s body, Tess is in Lily’s body, and the generational rollercoaster of hilarity is officially underway.

Freakier Friday keeps the classic challenges of its predecessor but adds a delightful modern twist. Now we see boomer, millennial, and gen z perspectives collide: the daughters in adult bodies try to sabotage the wedding, while the mothers navigate school life as kids and tries to find Madame Jen. The comedic chaos that ensues is both heartwarming and downright funny.

Julia Butters as Harper Coleman and Sophia Hammons as Lily Reyes

There are genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, and yes, hunky Chad Michael Murray is back—my 9-year-old crush self is quietly cheering from the corner. The soundtrack? A millennial throwback made for millennials, hitting every nostalgic note perfectly.

What I loved most was seeing Lindsay Lohan thrive—not as the reckless teen of early 2000s tabloids, but as a confident adult and mother. And Jamie Lee Curtis? She’s still a comedic legend, unafraid to be silly, shameless, and completely herself. Watching them interact across generations is a joy, a reminder of how comedy and love can bridge age gaps.

Beyond the laughs and nostalgia, Freakier Friday is surprisingly touching. Lily literally walks in Tess’s shoes and gains empathy for the ageing challenges of Tess, while Harper gains insight into her mother’s love and care. It’s a story about family, understanding, and the sometimes chaotic but always beautiful ties that bind us.

Yes, the movie is corny. Yes, it mirrors the original in many ways. And yes… that’s exactly what we wanted. It’s a joyous, innocent, feel-good trip down memory lane—a reminder of childhood laughter, the thrill of first crushes, and the warmth of family connections.

So, if you’re ready to relive your 9-year-old self’s dreams and embrace a modern, multigenerational comedy, grab your popcorn and prepare for a body-swapping adventure you didn’t know you needed.

Don’t forget: while you’re enjoying the movie, hop over to my Instagram and enter the Millhouse Movie Moments competition! You could win 2 movie tickets, a MMM-branded hoodie, and a satin-lined woolly beanie—perfect for watching your next cinema escape in style.

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Behind the Scenes: The Art of Costume Design

Costume design in Freakier Friday is more than just clothes—it’s a storytelling superpower. Natalie O’Brien, the film’s costume designer, faced a tricky challenge: how do you make it visually obvious when characters swap bodies, while keeping each character’s personality crystal clear?

Director, Nisha Ganatra on set with Lindsay and Jamie Lee

One of the coolest touches is the return of the iconic Diane von Furstenberg dress from the original Freaky Friday. In the sequel, Jake’s date wears it, giving fans a nostalgic wink while seamlessly fitting into the new story. It’s a smart nod to the past without feeling forced.

Luxury brands like Christopher John Rogers, Dior, Max Mara, and Balenciaga give each character a distinct voice. O’Brien even added Gen Z flair to Anna’s wardrobe—think pink Dior sunglasses and a rosette choker—bringing Harper’s youthful energy into her outfits. And fans of the original will love how Anna’s classic look is updated: the red-and-black baseball tee gets a grown-up twist as a red bustier paired with an army green cargo skirt. It’s a clever mix of homage and evolution.

The body-swapping scenes required real attention to detail. Every outfit had to show not just what the characters were wearing, but who was inside that body—their movements, gestures, and vibe all had to match. It’s a subtle art that helps the audience immediately understand what’s happening, and it’s a brilliant example of costume design as storytelling.

For filmmakers, actors, or anyone fascinated by the craft, this is a masterclass in using costume to amplify character, convey emotion, and even add comedy, without a single line of dialogue. O’Brien’s work proves that clothes can do a lot of the narrative heavy lifting.

If you love seeing how films come together, study these costume choices closely. And don’t forget to check out Millhouse Movie Moments on Instagram, where you can see behind-the-scenes clips, sneak peeks, and enter to win 2 movie tickets, a MMM hoodie, and a satin-lined woolly beanie!