“You are extraordinary because you are ordinary” as Lucian Freud says to Kate Moss. In a film based in the worlds of fashion and art, this biographical drama is written and directed by James Lucas. Moss & Freud (2025) is set between London and the Cotswolds. The film focuses on an inter-generational story of friendship – pairing two British icons together. Its story focuses on its leads – Kate Moss (Ellie Bamber) and Lucian Freud (Derek Jacobi) who become at awe with each other’s talent and personality. One a model and the other an artist.
Freud was known for depicting his subjects in ‘naked portraits’ as he developed close relationships with them. Yet Moss became dedicated to being portrayed in his artwork as one of her life’s ambitions. As their relationship blossoms, Freud soon becomes an integral mentor figure in her life. The film depicts many of their sentimental moments together.
Showcasing British Culture
Ellie Bamber perfectly replicates Kate Moss’ distinctive London accent and young mannerisms. Whilst acting veteran, Derek Jacobi fully embodies and quite literally becomes Lucian Freud. His voice is a unique mixture of upper-class British and German accent. Together their believable chemistry on-screen creates a charming pairing.
Marking Moss’ first biopic, the story mainly takes place in a singular setting. The world of Lucian Freud is set inside his Holland Park Studio. Although the line in their relationship is left blurry. Freud acts like a father figure yet at times he acts more like her grandfather or her best friend. Most of the time their friendship is admirable and endearing. But sometimes it comes across as peculiar particularly considering their age difference.
Moss is 28-years-old when she meets 79-year-old Freud as two iconic figures in British history form this story of unlikely friendship. Although they first met in a London restaurant in real-life, the film depicts their introductory meeting at a London gallery. This is arguably the best shot of the film as the two subjects are framed together as one. The scene sets the tone brilliantly for the rest of the story. It also foreshadows that this film will show an intimate portrayal of their developing friendship.
I paint and I paint and I paint some more.
Freud says to Moss in ‘Moss & Freud’ (2025).
Moss & Freud (2025)
Cool Britannia
Moss & Freud is surrounded in British culture, and it constantly reminds you that this is a London-based story. Writer-director Lucas uses archival footage of runways, behind-the-scenes of fashion photoshoots, and London landmarks to shape the two British subjects. When Moss dresses in the blue ballgown and the Union Jack flag jacket it reminds us of the iconic ‘Cool Britannia’ style during the Y2K era. This serves to represent a key movement in British history. The excellent poster also depicts Bamber’s Moss dressed in this same outfit and Jacobi’s Freud in his artist outfit.
From the young woman who first meets Lucian to building a trusted relationship with the infamous artist – it’s when their differences collide which creates the little moments of dramatic tension which are sprinkled throughout. But ultimately their strong bond leads them to always work out their problems. We witness the clash in their generational differences. Moss’ wild hard-partying lifestyle differs immensely to Freud’s quiet artistic work as he seeks to live a more solitude life.
Moss & Freud is extremely dialogue heavy. As a result, the story focuses on their conversations and relies on telling through dialogue rather than through action or visual storytelling. If you didn’t already know of their relationship, this film is a great insight into their dynamic and long-term friendship. Although Moss & Freud plays out more like a documentary than a film. It conveys a subtle portrayal of the friendship between one of Britain’s most well-known supermodels and an influential British painter.
Moss & Freud (2025)
A Sweet-natured Connection
There’s interesting quick cuts in the nightclub scenes and flashing lights which make you become immersed into Kate Moss’ life. This film does not shy away from her troubles and frequently mentions her alcohol and substance abuse. Close-up shots show how Freud’s artistic process works with mixing paints and getting to know his subjects during the process.
Although there could have been more striking scenes to build-up tension. Many scenes rely solely on dialogue. They play out like long monologues or soliloquies – making the film feel like a theatre play. Ultimately Lucas captures the sweet-natured connection between his two subjects. Bamber’s and Jacobi’s inviting chemistry show they are perfectly cast in depicting the long-term friendship between two British icons.
Moss & Freud (2025) is released across UK cinemas today.
You can read more reviews like this including The Christophers (2025) here.