movie review: bottoms (2023)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Bottoms, directed by Emma Seligman, is an uproariously funny and subversive high school comedy that turns the genre on its head. This unapologetically queer film doesn’t just break stereotypes; it shatters them with humor, heart, and a good punch to the face—sometimes literally.

The movie follows PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri), two self-proclaimed losers who start a high school fight club under the guise of female empowerment to impress their cheerleader crushes. What ensues is a chaotic mix of absurdity, friendship, and fistfights, all wrapped up in biting satire and unexpected emotional depth.

What Works:

💪🏻Performances: Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri are a dynamite duo, bringing impeccable comedic timing and authenticity to their roles. Their chemistry sells the dynamic of two best friends trying to navigate the messiness of high school and their own insecurities.
💪🏻Sharp Humour: The screenplay, co-written by Seligman and Sennott, is razor-sharp. It’s packed with laugh-out-loud moments that skew everything from toxic masculinity to high school tropes without ever feeling preachy.
💪🏻Unique Tone: The absurdity is dialled up to 11, creating a heightened reality that’s equal parts ridiculous and relatable. It’s like Mean Girls meets Fight Club, with a queer twist that feels fresh and overdue.
💪🏻Supporting Cast: Marshawn Lynch as the hilariously disinterested teacher and my darling, angel, love of my life Ruby Cruz as Hazel, the scrappy fight club co-founder, steal every scene they’re in.
💪🏻Themes: Beneath the humour lies a genuine exploration of friendship, identity, and the awkwardness of coming of age.

What Could Be Improved:

👖While the movie thrives in its absurdity, some plot points are so over-the-top they may feel disjointed or underdeveloped. A bit more grounding in certain moments could have enhanced the emotional payoff without sacrificing the comedy.

Final Thoughts:

Bottoms is a bold, irreverent, and wildly entertaining film that feels like a breath of fresh air in the high school comedy genre. Its unapologetic queer representation and sharp wit set it apart, and it’s sure to become a cult classic in no time. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the fights, or the feels, Bottoms delivers on all fronts.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t try starting your own fight club—it won’t end as hilariously as it does here.

Leave a comment