Freeway (1996) is a dark and twisted reimagining of the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood,” infused with a blend of crime, black comedy, and thriller elements. Directed by Matthew Bright, the film takes an unconventional and bold approach to its storytelling, offering a satirical yet shocking take on familiar tropes from folklore. With a star-studded cast including Kiefer Sutherland, Reese Witherspoon, and Brooke Shields, Freeway presents a gritty, offbeat narrative that delves into themes of morality, survival, and the blurry lines between good and evil.

The film’s plot centers around a teenage girl named Vanessa (Reese Witherspoon), a rebellious and resourceful character who has had a troubled upbringing. She is a product of an abusive family and a broken system, but her fiery determination to escape her circumstances drives her forward. After an altercation with her mother, Vanessa decides to run away to her grandmother’s house, a journey that parallels the familiar story of Little Red Riding Hood. However, this film takes a sharp turn into dark territory as Vanessa’s journey intertwines with that of Bob Wolverton (Kiefer Sutherland), a charming but dangerous man who turns out to be a serial killer posing as a good Samaritan.