★★★★
Bottoms is as refined as a hammer and isn’t afraid to ship its message. Woven collectively as an absurdist buddy comedy, Director Emma Seligman makes the not possible doable and delivers a gem. From scene to scene, Bottoms will get a bit extra ridiculous, whereas one way or the other protecting the forged grounded and relatable, making for a uncommon cinematic expertise. One may very well be forgiven for pondering that is some type of highschool spin-off model of “Moist Sizzling American Summer season,” because the movie noticeably attracts inspiration from the cult traditional. However ultimately, Seligman’s comedic tackle the “late ‘90s coming-of-age story” appears to cement itself as a traditional in its personal proper.
PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) are heading into their senior 12 months of highschool with one mission – to lose their virginity. As social outcasts, the most effective mates are used to being regarded over, residing with low shallowness and a drive to simply be seen. After they get bored with being on the backside of the social hierarchy, they resolve to type a feminine self-defense “struggle membership” to impress a few explicit women. The group slowly good points a following, and for the primary time, PJ and Josie really feel like they’re being seen.
The plot of Bottoms is your on a regular basis fundamental coming-of-age love story, however the movie manages to achieve excessive boundaries. Seligman’s comedy is hilarious, bizarre, and generally utterly nonsensical, however she manages to weave every part collectively flawlessly. All the stereotypical panorama of a late ‘90s highschool is current, geared up with jocks, goths, cheerleaders, and outcasts. Seligman and co-writer Sennotti do their finest to not mince phrases, making each message as clear as day. It’s refreshing to see an idea that’s seemingly so advanced be executed at this degree, making your entire movie look easy.
One other large spotlight of the movie is its unimaginable soundtrack, produced by Charli XCX and Leo Birenberg. The music captures the movie’s temper completely; one may plausibly watch your entire factor with muted dialog and never miss a beat.
In fact, Bottoms wouldn’t work if it weren’t so humorous. A nugget of humor may be present in each scene, producing real laughs that come out of nowhere. It’s sudden however real, ramping up the craziness because the present goes on. In the case of its feminist message, Bottoms is unapologetically in your face, however trustworthy on the identical time. This entry by Seligman is a real achievement, one which shouldn’t be missed by followers of eccentric comedy.
