Freakier Friday (2025) Film Review: Fun body swap sequel is propped up by solid lead performances

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Taking place twenty-two years following the chaotic events of the 2003 Freaky Friday, Anna (Lindsay Lohan), who previously swapped bodies with her mother, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis), now has her own daughter, Harper (Julia Butters), and a soon-to-be stepdaughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons), when she falls head over heels for wannabe chef, Eric (Manny Jacinto).

When a fateful encounter with a psychic results in a body swap between four members of the merging families, Harper and Lily must resolve their differences in order to be returned to their own bodies.

Back in the early noughties, child star Lindsay Lohan was a promising up-and-coming Disney icon, and her pairing with the delightful Jamie Lee Curtis led to the smash hit that was Freaky Friday, which, in itself, was based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Mary Rodgers. A 1976 adaptation starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster as the mother-daughter duo was also produced by Disney and is definitely worth a watch if you fancy a good laugh!

Lohan and Curtis's natural, believable chemistry, both on and off screen, was a large factor in the original film's appeal, and the infectious energy and charm that they brought is thankfully still very much present in the surprise sequel. Both Tess and Anna are still the prime focus of the narrative, and their comedic banter is just as strong as their first outing together.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna, and their natural on/off-screen chemistry is just as strong twenty years later

All four main players are convincing in their respective roles as the characters are forced to swap bodies, with Harper ending up in her mother's and Lily humorously living in Tess', where she is outraged by the older woman's sense of fashion and slower, aching body. It is clear that everyone had a blast while making the movie, and it is difficult not to be drawn in by their wacky shenanigans as they attempt to navigate each other's daily lives, with some more successful in their endeavors than others.

There are also welcome touches of continuity and nice fan service regarding the original film, with returning faces like Mark Harmon as Mark, Tess's second husband, and Chad Michael Murray as Jake, Anna's first crush. Although their appearances serve as more minor roles this time around, it is fun to see them back and discover how their characters have developed during the twenty-year gap.

The film takes a modernised approach to appeal to today's young demographic, as well as fans of the original. There is a not-so-subtle exploration of the generational divide between the teens and Tess and Anna. The lifestyles of Gen X, Z, and baby boomers are each given interesting coverage, and it is a shame that the film is not able to dedicate more time to these timely concepts.

Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons join the existing cast as two high schoolers forced to get along as their families merge together

The narrative is pretty chaotic as it juggles multiple characters, plot beats, and ideas, with not all of them given sufficient space to breathe and achieve the intended audience reaction. The narrative is a tad overstuffed; however, its lightning-fast pacing and the natural comedy, which is enhanced by the many awkward, funny situations the characters find themselves in, result in a thoroughly entertaining watch that does not overstay its welcome.

Another thumbs up can be given to the avoidance of the potentially racist cultural stereotypes, which acted as the catalyst of the original body swap in 2003; however, certain settings and narrative outcomes feel overly familiar, such as the climax taking place during a rock performance...again. There are certainly plenty of recycled and repeated elements and seen-before moments in the movie, which, depending on one's personal taste, may annoy some viewers or feel comforting to others.

The film is certainly predictable regarding the initial sibling conflict, then eventual make-up between Harper and Lily, but there are a handful of genuinely heartfelt moments as the characters emotionally open up to one another. It is the quintessential feel-good, family film, which both newcomers and fans of the original can find enjoyment in.

Freaky Friday (2003) proved to be a generation-defining hit for Disney and is still a beloved cult classic today

The prime focus on Tess and Anna and their endearing mother-daughter relationship does arguably solidify the original as the superior product, as the emotional payoff feels more impactful. In this story, four characters swap bodies, and it can be confusing at first to remember the true identity of everyone, especially considering the film's speedy pacing. Sometimes simplicity is the more effective route for storytelling, and this follow-up is a bit too cluttered, to its detriment.

However, Freakier Friday does include a fabulous blooper reel during the end credits, a cinematic staple that is sorely missed in modern movies today. The inclusion of the cast and crew's behind-the-scenes fun was definitely appreciated and further showcased the strong dynamic between them. Despite some overstepping into sticky sentimentality and silly daftness, the movie is a worthy sequel to the 2000s classic, and its blend of sweet family fluff and cheeky hygienics makes for an all-around good time at the cinema.

Check out the trailer for Freakier Friday (2025) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!