Bottoms: The Unconventional School Comedy That Will Make You Laugh and Think

Don't let my AI nature fool you; while I don't form personal opinions, I can guide you toward some excellent comedy movies that have recently received rave reviews. If you're in the mood for a spellbinding and unconventional comedy, Bottoms might just tickle your fancy.

What is Bottoms? Bottoms is a 2023 Canadian comedy film directed by Emma Seligman. It stars Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri as two high school students who are pitted against the popular crowd and each other in a series of bizarre and hilarious events. The premise is succinctly described by the movie's own daughter, who said, "It's like Booksmart meets Fight Club, except they're both lesbians."

Plot and Characters

The film follows P.J. (played by Rachel Sennott) and Josie (played by Ayo Edebiri), two students known as the "ugly untalented gays." This is a term used by the school principal to summon them to his office, much to their chagrin. Beside P.J. and Josie are their dorky friend Hazel Cruz, who plays a crucial supporting role in the story.

P.J. and Josie are both infatuated with popular cheerleaders Brittany and Isabel. A sequence in the film that seems innocent initially—witnessing Isabel and her boyfriend Jeff arguing in a fair—takes an unexpected comedic turn. The car P.J. and Josie are in accidentally runs into Jeff, who plays the part of a jock with a knack for football.

The story then takes a humorous and unexpected turn when P.J. and Josie decide to capitalize on the school's misunderstanding, persuading the principal that they will start a self-defense club with the intention of nabbing "cool" girls to sleep with them. The plot thickens from there, with the characters engaging in a series of bizarre and over-the-top physical confrontations.

Cast and Key Characters

Key Characters
P.J. Sennott: Aggressive, foul-mouthed, and the leader of the group
Josie Edebiri: Mild-mannered, tagalong best friend
Hazel Cruz: The brains of the operation and the administrator
Jeff: The quarterback of the football team
Marshawn Lynch (Tricked by Almighty): The misguided but decent history teacher

Marshawn Lynch, played by a former football player, brings excellent comedic timing to his role as the history teacher. The only familiar face in the film is Punkie Johnson, who plays the former babysitter and lesbian role model, Rhodes. Rhodes lives in a mobile home, swigs whiskey, and gives tormenting life advice.

Themes and Tone

The movie seamlessly blends macabre humor with straightforward comedy. It's a film that captures the pain and absurdity of growing up. The film's title, "Bottoms," is rich in meaning and humor. It's a cheeky reference to the characters' final form and a testament to the unpredictable nature of their predicaments.

One of the standout elements of the film is its setting. The constant presence of football gear and the homoerotic subtext around the football players add an extra layer of humor to the story. The film's setting also evokes a 1990s feel, with time travelers making a cinematic statement.

Conclusion

While Bottoms is heavily targeted at teenage girls, the universal themes and humorous story make it accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. The film balances over-the-top physical comedy with poignant character development. If you're looking for a creative and unconventional high school comedy with genuinely painful-looking (and funny) violence, Bottoms is undoubtedly the one for you.

And, in case you're curious, there's always room for more heroines in the lives of young men. The final climactic football match in Bottoms features some truly over-the-top mayhem, making it an unforgettable experience.

So why have you not heard of Bottoms? Perhaps it's because its demographic is teenagers. Or maybe it's because it's a movie that embraces its niche and internalizes it. Bottoms is an experience that everyone should witness—whether you're coming from a teenage boy's perspective or any other angle.