In a bittersweet moment at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the late actor Angus Cloud made his posthumous appearance in the Anna Boden- and Ryan Fleck-directed feature, “Freaky Tales.” The film, which premiered on January 18 at the Eccles Theater in Park City, showcases one of Cloud’s final roles before his untimely death at the age of 25 in July.
“Freaky Tales” is a genre-defying film set in 1987 in Cloud’s native Oakland, featuring punk rockers taking on neo-Nazis, rap battles with pop star Normani, Pedro Pascal as a soon-to-retire fixer, and a unique plot around Golden State Warrior All-Star Sleepy Floyd’s performance in the 1987 playoff game against the “showtime”-era Lakers. The narrative unfolds in four interweaving chapters, providing a captivating backdrop to Cloud’s exceptional performance.
Cloud, known for his role as Fezco in “Euphoria,” brought his Bay Area accent to the role of Travis, a would-be burglar in the film’s neo-Nazi gang. Co-director Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck expressed their gratitude for having Cloud in the movie, emphasizing his dedication to the role and his ability to bring a distinct energy to the set.
Even in tense moments, Cloud managed to break the tension with his unique charm and infectious energy. “He cared so much about the role,” said Boden. “He ends up bringing this very specific, very Angus energy to the role.”
The film also stars Pedro Pascal and Ben Mendelsohn, who fondly recalled their time with Cloud during action-heavy and challenging scenes. Ellis, another cast member, remembered the laughter and camaraderie shared during the filming, describing Cloud as a “breath of fresh air.”
As the credits rolled in the packed theater, the audience erupted in applause in tribute to Cloud’s final performance. The post-screening Q&A saw heartfelt remembrances of Cloud’s contributions to the film, with Ellis expressing gratitude for his great performance and fun-loving spirit.
Cloud’s final film credit is listed as “Abigail,” a Universal horror film set for release in April. Despite his untimely departure, Cloud’s impact on the cast and the film remains palpable, with co-stars remembering his warm eyes, bright smile, and infectious laughter.
The legacy of Angus Cloud lives on through “Freaky Tales,” a film that not only defies traditional genres but also stands as a testament to the actor’s talent and the lasting impression he left on those who had the privilege of working with him.