Freaks Out

In 1943, Circus Mezzapiotta, owned by Israel, stages acts by four extraordinary performers. The ongoing World War II pressure threatens the circus’s survival. Israel proposes that the troupe try to reach America to start anew.

Franz, a German pianist with six fingers and clairvoyant powers, foresees Hitler’s suicide and the arrival of the four superhuman beings. He builds the Berlin Zircus to lure and torture freaks, hoping to uncover the saviors foretold by his vision.

Israel convinces the four to go to America, gathering their savings for the journey. Before they depart, he vanishes, triggering a frantic search and a narrow escape from a roundup in Rome. The troupe then splits, with Matilde heading after Israel and the others heading toward the Berlin Zircus.

Matilde decides to pursue Israel, clinging to the hope that he still believes in their plan. Meanwhile Fulvio, Cencio, and Mario travel to the Berlin Zircus to seek work and safety under Franz's eye. The path diverges as hope for rescue becomes the new driving force.

Matilde survives an attempted rape when a German soldier targets her, using her electricity to escape. She is rescued and sheltered by a shabby band of partisans led by the Hunchback, who become her temporary allies and help plan a course of action.

With the troupe scattered, Matilde traces Israel and finds him aboard a truck bound for the concentration camps. Despite her power, she cannot save him in time, and the grim fate of many lives on the transport underscores the stakes of their quest.

Guercio informs Matilde about the Zircus's true aim to torture freaks to identify the saviors for the Nazi regime. Realizing the danger, she leaves immediately to rescue her friends, starting a perilous journey toward Berlin.

Franz captures Matilde and cements his belief that she and the others are the prophesied quartet. He stages a spectacular show at the Berlin Zircus to unveil them to his brother Amon and to Field Marshal Kesselring.

During the show, Franz tries to force Matilde to electrocute a tiger, publicly humiliating her when she resists. For her defiance, the four are condemned to the stake, a brutal display meant to break their resolve.

Matilde shatters the cell door with her powers, freeing the four friends. They flee the Zircus to pursue Israel, while Franz realizes the quartet were the foretold saviors and murders Amon to impersonate him, seizing control of the German army.

The four, aided by partisans, clash with German soldiers as they push toward their goal. Franz heads the soldiers in pursuit, trying to capture the freaks and solidify his power over the Reich.

In the heat of battle, Israel sacrifices himself to save Matilde’s life. The four fight on with renewed resolve, their powers growing stronger under pressure and the pressure of the moment.

Matilde finally takes full control of her power, concentrating energy into a massive explosion that wipes out the German soldiers. Franz realizes his vision referred to himself and, overwhelmed by failure, kills himself.

With the Nazi threat vanquished, the four freaks are free to continue their journey across Europe. Their bond remains intact as they set off toward new horizons, hopeful for a safer future after the war.