If Booksmart and Fight Club birthed a film baby, it would be Emma Seligman’s newest directorial effort, Bottoms. Despite only being released on the 3rd of November, it has amassed a cult-like group of watchers tuning in to watch the raunchiest queer movie of the year.
Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri star as “ugly untalented gays” PJ and Josie, as they start a school fight club in order to sleep with cheerleaders before they head off to college. After a few lies about juvie get out of hand, their popularity goes from zero to social insider with the girls at the school, much to the disgust of star quarterback Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine) and his teammates. The fight club jeopardises the social ranking of the school and threatens to ruin the relationship between Jeff and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), who Josie happens to be in love with. The plot is hysterical and deliriously funny with shocking comedic moments from the main characters and supporting cast, alongside a whole lot of blood, fighting and a scary amount of bleeding noses.
Ruby Cruz puts in a stellar performance as Hazel, an outcast who helps the duo create the fight club and her mum, played by Dagmara Dominczyk, is a contender for the most problematic mum of the year, after sleeping with the enemy. NFL player Marshawn Lynch plays Mr G, a funny and dim teacher, who supports the fight club until its many issues arise. He is quick, hilarious and a very questionable feminist. Model turned actress, Kaia Gerber, whose performance as popular yet cold Brittany, was not only a great addition to the cast but executed the awkward and cringeworthy chemistry with PJ perfectly.
This film hits the nail on the head with witty, humorous and gory moments, while maintaining the level of light-hearted nostalgia that is contained within the classic 2000’s teen movies. It is one of the most exciting films of the year and the most similar to old-school teen films that haven’t been seen in a long while; it is sure to be a cult classic in the future. It is a cringeworthy film in the best way possible and the amount of violence is shocking for a film that is definitely targeted towards young people. That is not to say that it wasn’t done very well, it might just make you squirm a touch.
I would highly recommend checking this film out, you will not be disappointed. If you want to laugh out loud and cringe your way through watching young people navigate queer love terribly, this is absolutely the film for you.
5/5
Image credit: TMDB
