The raunchy teen sex comedy is a type of film that’s been able to withstand the test of time, and director Emma Seligman brings a refreshing update to the classic genre with “Bottoms,” her ridiculous and hilarious high school buddy comedy about two horny gay girls who start a fight club with the hopes it will help them get laid before graduation.
Josie (Ayo Edebiri) and PJ (Rachel Sennott) are unpopular and queer, which is making their lives a bit of a bummer. Obsessed with the hot girls in class, the best friends need to come up with an idea to get closer to their crushes. It’s their senior year after all, so it’s kind of a now or never situation.
With their sights firmly set on Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), the objects of their love-struck affection, PJ and Josie find an apathetic teacher named Mr. G (former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, in an uproarious extended cameo ) to sponsor their club, which is started under the guise of a self defense class for women. It’s a very, very funny premise for a film, and what follows is an unrestrained story with an unexpectedly violent denouement that’s equal parts outrageous and hysterical.
This is an original movie with such a creative story that it would be a shame to offer even the tiniest of spoilers, because part of the joy is discovering and relishing the film’s sheer preposterousness as it unfolds. It’s a teen satire that’s turned on its head, with a darkly comedic, midnight cult film feel (it’s a lot like 1988’s “Heathers,” but gay).
Indie film dream team Sennott and Seligman co-wrote the screenplay, a sharp and clever script which is filled with witty, smart dialogue and ridiculous situations. This type of humor isn’t going to land with everybody, but if you are from the same mindset as this writing duo, the film will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter.
It’s nice to see such a strong female-focused story on screen, especially when the heroines are certainly no angels. PJ and Josie are selfish and inconsiderate, on the outside looking in. Some of the things that come out of their mouths are shocking, but it never feels ridiculous because the actors deliver their lines with deadpan sincerity. The characters are blissfully unaware of just how awful and deranged they actually are, which somehow makes you like them even more.
Obviously, “Bottoms” won’t be for everyone. It’s very dark, irreverent, and bawdy. But this story of two badass losers who just want a chance to score with the hot cheerleaders is one of the funniest quirky comedies I’ve seen in years.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 