The beloved body-swapping comedy returns in Freakier Friday, a sequel that reunites Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis more than two decades after their hit 2003 film. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, this long-awaited follow-up doubles the chaos, the laughs, and the heartfelt lessons, making it both a nostalgic trip and a fresh spin for new audiences.
The Legacy of Freaky Friday
Before diving into the sequel, it’s worth remembering why the original film captured hearts. In 2003, Freaky Friday was a standout family comedy, adapted from Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel. Lohan shined as Anna, a spirited teen, while Curtis delivered a hilarious performance as Tess, her tightly wound therapist mom. The movie’s chemistry, comedic timing, and touching message about empathy cemented its place in pop culture.
The original did have its flaws — certain cultural stereotypes, for example, haven’t aged well — but its central charm was undeniable. Now, in Freakier Friday, the same duo returns with an updated, modern twist.
What’s New in Freakier Friday
Freakier Friday picks up 22 years after Anna played her electric guitar at her mother’s wedding. Anna, now a single mom, manages a rising pop star while juggling life with her teenage daughter, Harper (Julia Butters). Harper, much like Anna in her youth, is independent, guarded, and a touch rebellious.
Tess, stylish with her gray hair and still a practicing therapist, has evolved into a podcaster and author, recently exploring the concept of “Rebelling with Respect.” Yet, despite the years, Tess and Anna’s dynamic remains familiar — filled with love, playful conflict, and plenty of mutual lessons to learn.
The Sequel’s Big Twist: Double the Body Swaps
In Freakier Friday, one swap simply isn’t enough. The film shakes things up with two sets of body-swappers: Anna and Harper, and Tess and Lily (Sophia Hammons), Harper’s fashionable, snooty school rival from Britain.
The setup unfolds quickly: Harper clashes with Lily at school, leading to a comically disastrous bake sale food fight. Meanwhile, Anna meets Lily’s charming chef father, Eric (Manny Jacinto), and romance blossoms. In classic rom-com style, a whirlwind dating montage leads to an engagement. The tension between Harper and Lily remains unresolved — until a bachelorette party introduces the magical element.
A quirky fortune-teller (Vanessa Bayer, in a memorable extended cameo) reads their palms, the ground shakes, and the next morning… everyone wakes up in someone else’s body.
Keeping Track of the Chaos
From that point, Freakier Friday becomes a whirlwind. Anna is now Harper. Tess becomes Lily. Harper becomes Anna. And Lily inhabits Tess’s body. The result is comedic confusion, awkward encounters, and plenty of “who’s who?” moments.
Some of the funniest scenes include:
- Lily (in Tess’s body) trying to play pickleball with Tess’s husband Ryan (Mark Harmon, reprising his role).
- Harper (in Anna’s body) disastrously attempting a tango lesson with Eric.
- Anna and Tess (in their teenage forms) devouring junk food and relishing freedoms they haven’t had in decades.
One particularly sharp joke lands when two “teenagers” — actually Anna and Tess in disguise — search for an adult contact and pull up Facebook, calling it “a database of old people.”
Lohan and Curtis Reignite Their Chemistry
The heart of Freakier Friday lies in the undeniable comedic synergy between Lohan and Curtis. Curtis is especially funny in a drugstore scene, stockpiling everything from adult diapers to enemas when her husband asks for senior aisle supplies. Lohan, meanwhile, gets her moment when Harper (in Anna’s body) awkwardly flirts with Jake (Chad Michael Murray), the love interest from the original film. Jake’s confused reaction — thinking she’s having a medical episode — is comedy gold.
Where the Sequel Stumbles
While Freakier Friday brings joy and nostalgia, it sometimes stumbles by sticking too closely to the original’s blueprint. Certain plot devices feel overly familiar, and the comedy occasionally veers into manic territory. The double-swapping gimmick, while fresh, can make it hard for audiences to track who’s who.
There are also moments where the logic of the swap falters — notably, Lily’s British accent doesn’t transfer to Tess’s body, a missed comedic opportunity that could have elevated several scenes.
Updated Humor for a New Generation
Despite its flaws, Freakier Friday modernizes the humor without losing its core message. Dialogue is updated for the 2020s, references are sharper, and generational jokes hit home for both younger viewers and adults. The script sprinkles in social media nods, tech-savvy quips, and updated slang that keep the film feeling current.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Ending
Without spoiling the final act, Freakier Friday builds toward another wedding-day climax filled with mishaps, reconciliations, and heartfelt realizations. The film stays true to the body-swap genre’s hallmark — characters learning empathy and self-awareness — while offering a few surprises for long-time fans.
It’s safe to say that everyone involved comes out with a deeper appreciation for one another, even if the road to that point is chaotic. And yes, Lohan does get to pick up her electric guitar again.
Why Freakier Friday Works
At its core, Freakier Friday succeeds because it blends nostalgia with just enough novelty to engage audiences across generations. Fans of the 2003 film will appreciate the callbacks, while newcomers can enjoy the zany premise without prior knowledge.
The decision to bring back Lohan and Curtis was key. Their comfort with each other allows for natural comedic timing, even when the script leans into over-the-top scenarios. Ganatra’s direction ensures that the film maintains an upbeat pace, even during its more tangled plot points.
Final Verdict
Freakier Friday is not a flawless sequel, but it’s a warm, funny, and occasionally chaotic return to a story that has charmed audiences for decades. It reminds viewers why body-swapping tales remain so enduring: they mix humor, heart, and relatable life lessons into an entertaining package.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the physical comedy, or just to see Lohan and Curtis back on screen together, Freakier Friday delivers enough laughs and heart to make it worth the trip.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5/4 stars)
MPA Rating: PG (for thematic elements, rude humor, language, and some suggestive references)
Running Time: 111 minutes