Is Frederick Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Frederick is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 16 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Frederick Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Frederick emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of "Frederick" is the story of a high profile yet sardonic painter and art gallery owner who suffers from an intense version of “artist’s block. Unlike standard genre fare, Frederick attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Traci Hays, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Mystery elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Frederick features a noteworthy lineup led by Christopher Soren Kelly. Supported by the likes of Josh Mann and James Morrison, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Christopher Soren Kelly, Josh Mann, James Morrison manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Mystery, Crime, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Frederick is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Frederick follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 16 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Frederick resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Mystery landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 6/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Frederick is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. "Frederick" is the story of a high profile yet sardonic painter and art gallery owner who suffers from an intense version of “artist’s block.” However, his passion reignites when he has an idea for a new show, with his subject being the exploitation of beauty in society. To his surprise, he receives an unexpected visit from an intimidating yet oblivious policeman, Detective Marks, who interrogates him about the disappearance of several young fashion models. Frederick and Marks play a game of cat and mouse, culminating in a mysterious exhibition that both horrifies and entertains.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Frederick (2017) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Mystery, Crime, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Christopher Soren Kelly, Josh Mann, James Morrison or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Frederick is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Frederick has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Mystery, Crime, Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Frederick stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick movie hit or flop?
Frederick has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Frederick worth watching?
Frederick is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Crime, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Frederick online?
Frederick may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
"Frederick" is the story of a high profile yet sardonic painter and art gallery owner who suffers from an intense version of “artist’s block.” However, his passion reignites when he has an idea for a new show, with his subject being the exploitation of beauty in society. To his surprise, he receives an unexpected visit from an intimidating yet oblivious policeman, Detective Marks, who interrogates him about the disappearance of several young fashion models. Frederick and Marks play a game of cat and mouse, culminating in a mysterious exhibition that both horrifies and entertains.