“Bottoms” is a 2023 teen comedy directed by Emma Seligman starring Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri with an ensemble cast featuring Ruby Cruz, Kaia Gerber, Havana Rose Liu, Marshawn Lynch and more.
“Bottoms” follows PJ, played by Sennott, and Josie, played by Edebiri, two close friends who aren’t particularly popular, but decide to establish a fight club at their high school to connect with girls and lose their virginities. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the most well-liked students begin engaging in violent altercations under the guise of self-protection.
Instead of taking itself too seriously, “Bottoms” capitalizes on the absurdity of high school stereotypes. The film relies on regurgitated stereotypes such as mean-spirited, unintelligent and full-of-themselves football players, ditzy, attention-loving cheerleaders and nerdy outcasts who are tormented for being the odd ones out.
Among them are the two likable main stars portrayed by Sennott and Edebiri. Sennott carries the film with an admirable Jonah Hill-esque performance. She’s an assertive, leading woman with an ingratiating presence. Edebiri gracefully portrays a fast talking, brainy character who earns a chance to perform an unwavering heroic accomplishment.
The two stars were surprisingly efficient at performing violent sequences requiring them to physically exert themselves. Viewers are going to be surprised to see these actresses perform outrageously stunning skills of strength from decapitating football players’ heads with one kick to body slamming a six-foot-tall bodybuilder. The blood-splattering action sequences add an enjoyable shock value that will remain memorable for film lovers for years to come. Not to mention, there is enough laugh out loud, foul mouthed dialogue comparable to any “South Park” episode to watch a thousand times over.
“Bottoms” presents an intriguing yet subtle take on equal rights without feeling the need to be too overly preachy. “Bottoms” allows the ridiculously comedic plot to take the front seat rather than solely pushing a theme involving a feminist ideal just to make a statement about the way society wrongfully treats women. In no way is it a serious commentary on gender. Rather, it’s a gut punching tale that unapologetically pokes fun at high school stereotypes which makes the film so endearing to witness, even though the tone comes off as overly stupendous.
For any moviegoers who are interested in seeing a group of hilarious young characters get back at their tormentors one bloody fist at a time or simply yearn for a compelling teen comedy about high school social dynamics, “Bottoms” is a movie they don’t want to miss.
