“Bottoms” follows self-ascribed untalented gays Josie (Ayo Edebiri) and PJ (Rachel Sennott). The two make it a goal to have sex before graduation, a trope that is not new by any means. The premise evokes teen comedies like “Superbad,” but here we see queer characters.
Luckily, the similarities more or less end there as Josie and PJ start a fight club for girls at school. It begins under the guise of women’s empowerment and protection against rampant misogyny, but really they just want to get with two cheerleaders they have massive crushes on. The movie takes the familiar stereotypes of high school and exaggerates them to absurd degrees. This makes the humor and cartoonish violence hysterical and biting.
A Ridiculous Comedy
Emma Seligman directed and Sennott co-wrote the film. The two crafted a high school world in which every enduring high school stereotype and hierarchy is exaggerated to a ridiculous degree. Football players roam the hallways in their game uniforms at all times. Fight scenes happen with elevated and cartoonish violence. The crux of the film is that nothing is serious. It’s just a series of absurdist jokes in what feels like a rip-roaring and sapphic fever dream.
What we have with “Bottoms” is a gold standard in sex comedies for queer girls. It feels fresh and for a newer generation. There are no coming-out stories, just queer girls being horny and weird. It’s unapologetic about its surreal and absurdist flair. Seligman crafts a world that pierces the bubble of queer comedy and is a true standout in its genre.
Over The Top Performances
The main duo at the center of the film really make or break “Bottoms.” Their energy perfectly balances out, creating a dynamic and engaging friendship. It makes perfect sense when you realize that Edebiri, Sennott and Seligman all went to college together and have been close friends ever since. The relationship between the main characters provides the emotional core of the movie. Further demonstrating that queer friendship is worth representing on the big screen.
Furthermore, every other cast member has an important role to play in this film’s specific brand of absurdist comedy. It just wouldn’t work if executed poorly. Luckily, the entire cast operates at a 10 out of 10. This film works at a fundamental level of feverish delight. Every line delivery is utter perfection.
Marshawn Lynch, former football player for the Seattle Seahawks, is a particular standout as a school teacher. He learns about feminism from his students and has a surprising knack for comedy. His role is even more of a standout because the Seligman said that he joined the film to honor his gay sister.
An Instant Classic
“Bottoms” is an instant classic and will stand the test of time for years to come. This movie is a gem for queer high schoolers. It is a film I wish came out when I was still a teen. Nevertheless, this movie will touch the hearts of older queers alike. In the end, it is just a really great time.