Bottoms – Film Review

Unpopular best friends PJ and Josie start a high school fight club to meet girls and lose their virginity. They soon find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students start beating each other up in the name of self-defense.

Bottoms is a quirky and amusing coming-of-age comedy directed by Emma Seligman. It revolves around the lives of two unpopular best friends, PJ and Josie, who hatch a plan to start a high school fight club in hopes of meeting girls and losing their virginity. However, their innocent and naive intentions quickly escalate into a chaotic whirlwind when the popular students, unexpectedly, take self-defense to a whole new level.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the absolutely outstanding lead performances by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri in the roles of PJ and Josie, respectively. Sennott, who has been gaining recognition since her breakthrough role in Shiva Baby, continues to impress with her natural talent and comedic timing. Her portrayal of PJ is both endearing and relatable, capturing the struggles and insecurities of a young woman navigating the complexities of high school. Edebiri, on the other hand, delivers a magnetic performance as Josie, injecting the character with a unique blend of wit and vulnerability. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, forming the heart and soul of the film.

Bottoms strikes a delicate balance between wholesomeness and chaos. It manages to be uplifting and heartwarming, while also delving into the awkward and sometimes absurd situations teenagers find themselves in. The film captures the essence of adolescence, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the pursuit of acceptance. Seligman skillfully infuses humor into the narrative, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The comedic timing, particularly in the banter between PJ and Josie, is impeccable. However, there are a few jokes that don’t quite hit the mark, leaving some moments feeling slightly forced.

Despite its strengths, the film is not without its flaws. As the story progresses, it ventures into increasingly unbelievable territory. While some suspension of disbelief is expected in a comedy, the third act of Bottoms takes it to an extreme, stretching the boundaries of plausibility. This can be somewhat jarring, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative. Additionally, the film feels rather short in duration, leaving certain storylines and character arcs underdeveloped. A slightly longer runtime would have allowed for a more fleshed-out exploration of the relationships and conflicts within the film.

Bottoms is a delightful and entertaining film that showcases the talents of its lead actors and the director’s ability to capture the essence of teenage life. Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri deliver exceptional performances, solidifying their places as rising stars in the industry. The film strikes a fine balance between wholesome and chaotic, providing laughs and heartwarming moments. However, it falters with its increasingly unbelievable third act and its somewhat short runtime, leaving certain aspects of the story feeling rushed. Nonetheless, Bottoms remains an enjoyable watch, offering an insightful and humorous portrayal of the trials and tribulations of adolescence.