Fresh

Fresh centers on a twelve year old boy who runs drugs for rival gangs in a tough New York neighborhood. He calls himself Fresh, and through quick thinking and nerve he stays one step ahead of the violence that surrounds him. As he handles a dangerous courier job, he begins to secretly monitor the power players who hire him, hoping to protect his younger sister Nichole while keeping himself alive. The film follows his clever schemes to pit cruel bosses against each other and to keep innocent family members out of the crossfire, all while questioning how a child learns to survive in a world ruled by fear. The film hints at consequences beyond the danger for all involved tonight.

Directed by Boaz Yakin, Fresh is based on an original screenplay. Released in 1994, it showcases Yakin's bold, character driven storytelling and features a breakout performance by young Sean Nelson. The film marked an early highlight in his career today.

Fresh earned about 8.1 million worldwide, against a modest budget of 3.5 million, making it a solid box office success for a low budget crime drama. Its earnings reflect strong performance in markets receptive to street level stories across regions.

Fresh is often cited for its stark realism and its daring portrayal of a child in a harsh urban underworld. The film helped popularize tactile, understated performances from Giancarlo Esposito and Samuel L. Jackson and remains a talking point in discussions of 90s street cinema for viewers and urban storytelling.

Critics praised its taut atmosphere and the moral ambiguity that surrounds Fresh's choices. The film probes power, loyalty, and the costs of violence, offering a rare lead performance by a preteen character whose agency both fascinates and unsettles for contemporary audiences. Its restrained pace and sharp dialogue heighten overall tension.