Iconic – Movie Review (3/5)

ICONIC is a new psychological thriller that feels like a real trip. A total mindf**k in ways I never expected. A small cast and a story that will make sense in the end. It is brutal, though. Read our full Iconic movie review here!

ICONIC is a thriller out on VOD now, and I am not sure how to explain it. As it played out, I felt myself being drawn into the wildest mindf**k. And yes, I do mean that in the best way possible.

In fact, I’m not sure how to describe this movie. The plot is very small, and ultimately, you won’t understand everything until the very end. Fortunately, getting there is a real trip. I would recommend being 100% sober for this one to be able to follow everything.

Continue reading our Iconic movie review below. Find it on Digital and VOD from July 15, 2025.

An L.A. psychological thriller

In Iconic, we follow an influencer, Rose (Emma Jade), who is going through a bit of backlash. Rose is an offbeat beauty industry “celebrity” (aka “Influencer”), but her makeup recently disfigured another influencer.

Rather than going into an apology rant, she opts for blaming the influencer (a rival, really) for not checking whether she was allergic before applying the stuff to her face. Not the best way to deal with a scandal, but Rose has other issues to deal with.

Especially a stalker, who seems to always be nearby and getting closer. Obviously, it’s a disturbed person, and Rose wants nothing to do with them.

However, her luck seems to turn when she meets Lily (Alyssa Anthony). It’s love at first sight, and the two cannot get enough of one another. Unfortunately, Lily also introduces Rose to various drugs.

A drug-induced rollercoaster

Before long, Rose is on a rollercoaster of amazing highs and increasingly brutal lows. And Rose already deals with having bipolar disorder, so she really shouldn’t be taking anything with her medication.

As the audience, we’re on the sidelines, witnessing Rose fall down a rollercoaster rabbit hole full of drugs, obsession, paranoia, and jealousy. Rock bottom seems to be the final destination for her, and Rose is heading there fast.

I had no idea what to expect of ICONIC, but it delivered something better and more innovative than I ever expected. Emma Jade is perfectly cast as Rose, while Alyssa Anthony offers the perfect catalyst as Lily.

I don’t know that I am familiar with any of the actors in this movie, but I’d like to see them in future genre productions. I’d also love to see a horror movie from this filmmaker, as he clearly has a talent for telling darker stories.

Watch Iconic on VOD and Digital

ICONIC is written and directed by Matthew Freiheit, who also serves as the editor and the cinematographer on the movie. It was shot on location in Los Angeles, and while both he cast and crew are obviously talented, this feels like a one-person army in many ways.

With a runtime of just 90 minutes, it even hits what I often feel is the sweet spot for many genre movies. Especially for a feature film debut, which Iconic is.

Iconic shows the darker sides of Los Angeles while also focusing on the happiness you can find there. However, we are in the world of influencers, and as with all other celebrity-based jobs, the work is brutal, and you can be down and out in no time.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

The filmmakers have pledged 10% of the profits from the film to charities helping combat mental health and homelessness issues in Los Angeles. After watching (Iconic), it should be obvious why.

Ultimately, Iconic is a psychological horror thriller that should not disappoint if you just give in to it. Allow it to just wash over you as you experience everything Rose goes through. From the incredible highs to the violent lows.

Iconic is out on Digital and On-Demand from July 15, 2025.

Details

Director: Matthew Freiheit
Writer: Matthew Freiheit 
Cast: Emma Jade, Alyssa Anthony, Noor Dabash, Roxette Arisa, Dylan Bonansinga, Cherish Waters, Blake Eiermann, Davi Stefond, Frankie Tanimal, Tom DeSanto, Chris Boudreaux