Like ‘Saltburn’, Emma Seligman’s ‘Bottoms’ was also one of the most anticipated films of 2023, which unfortunately never released in cinemas in Germany, but ended up streaming directly on Amazon Prime Video. And as with ‘Saltburn’, this is an absolute shame with ‘Bottoms’ – because this bitter comedy would undoubtedly have been twice as much fun on the big screen with an amused or outraged audience.
In this country we can at least stream ‘Bottoms’ in small format on Prime Video, where fortunately the film loses none of its charm:
Because not only can you expect countless fights that would make even Tyler Durden in “Fight Club” look old; but also the answer to the question of who actually started feminism (the possibilities are: Gloria Steinem, one man, another woman), probably the most iconic Charli cinema explosion since “Oppenheimer”.
That’s what ‘Bottoms’ is about
Two best friends PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) are about the least cool things happening at their high school. And in 2023, that has nothing to do with their obvious weirdness, but simply the fact that they have absolutely none. Rizz and offend others with their awkward arrogance, just as they are treated by their classmates (and are constantly angry about it).
After accidentally hitting star quarterback Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine) with their car at a party, They claim to have spent the summer in a juvenile detention center and, with the help of their friend Hazel (Ruby Cruz) and their unmotivated teacher Mr. G (Marshawn Lynch) a self-defense course for women.
As noble as that may sound, her real goal is to impress the two “hot” cheerleaders Britanny (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), as if we were in the worst realms of “Superbad,” “American Pie.” ‘ located. ” or “Booksmart”. So of course it’s only a matter of time before their absolutely absurd lie is exposed…
The ‘American Pie’ of the 2020s
‘Superbad’ and ‘American Pie’, with all due respect, ‘Bottoms’ can essentially be described as an updated version of these high school classics, made for left-wing, queer Gen-Zers obsessed with their eternal double standards. absolutely okay when performed against white cis men. But all joking aside – or not?
Because anyone who takes this movie at all seriously has only themselves to blame – and is denying themselves one of the funniest cinematic experiences the modern comedy game currently has to offer. Almost everything that is sacred to the Republicans is turned upside down here and it is not only expectations regarding gender, genres and plot twists in both the script and production that are put through the vegan meat grinder.
The greatest merit, however, lies with the absolutely chaotic dream duo of Rachel Sennott (“Shiva Baby”) and “The Bear” shooting star Ayo Edebiri, who play off each other with everyday ease. Of PJ and Josie have undoubtedly already created high school characters that will go down in movie history and share the list with genre stars like Regina George, Cher Horowitz and Steve Stiffler.
The end credits show how much fun those involved behind the scenes of the comedy had and how much director Emma Seligman involved her actors in the creative process. Despite a surprising number of screen deaths, the result is a life-affirming film that, for FILMSTARTS editor Joana Müller, deserves every percent of its exuberant hype.