After having a breakout feature directorial debut with Shiva Baby back in 2020, writer/director Emma Seligman returns for another hilarious and wildly fun film that features rising young talent, a nostalgic feel, and never-ending hilarity.

The film – Bottoms – follows PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) – a pair of gay best friends who attend Rockbridge Falls High School and struggle to get laid. Although PJ and Josie have major crushes on cheerleaders Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), they can’t find their opening to make a move. Not to mention, they both have gained the ire of Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine) – Rockbridge Falls’ worshiped quarterback who’s dating Isabel – and his shoulder pad-wearing cronies. However, PJ eventually comes up with the idea of starting their own female fight club at the school to get closer to Brittany and Isabel. Unfortunately, their club catches the attention of Jeff’s top lieutenant Tim (Miles Fowler) and they end up in a bigger fight than expected.

Although most would simply say that Bottoms is Fight Club-inspired because of its premise, it’s much more reminiscent of iconic 80s teen comedies. The DNA of films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Heathers, Sixteen Candles, and many other classic high school romps is felt all over this film and its comedic style. From the incredibly vibrant color palette of its costume design and cinematography to its tropey depictions of certain character types and factions within Rockbridge Falls, Bottoms is a modern ode to that era of high school flicks. Yet, it still brings modern sensibilities and a strong sense of humor that comes from Seligman and Sennott.

Sennott has been absolutely thriving in the indie comedy space since her breakout performance in Shiva Baby with films like Bodies, Bodies, Bodies. So, it’s great that Seligman worked alongside her to write Bottoms together as their combined talents come together excellently. Bottoms has such a strong comedic wit to it that makes it an utterly fantastic watch that never ceases to be funny. It features some of the best “out of pocket” humor that makes random lines total gut-busters and audiences will be caught off guard in the best ways possible. Bottoms is honestly a full feast of comedy and hits such a wide range of humor that audiences will adore.

The film’s satirical approach to its homage to 80s teen comedies makes its depictions have a nostalgic and satirical feel – especially when it comes to Jeff being the beloved, can do no wrong quarterback. Bottoms has a raunchiness to it that makes it worthy of being recognized as a hilarious R-rated sex-comedy. There’s an overtly masculine dominance at Rockbridge Falls that’s poked fun at in funny ways. Often, PJ, Josie, and other female characters run into opposition that comes from a male hierarchy or Jeff’s squad that try to cut them down or nullify their growing power in the school. While there is some relevant social commentary that shouldn’t go unnoticed in these moments, they end up being more memorable for how hilarious they are because of great line-delivery and the way the film leans into its absurdity. There’s even a fun pettiness that comes when PJ and Josie’s intentions are revealed, and it leads to them facing some opposition that’s hilariously immature.

The comedic writing for Bottoms is top-notch and it’s great that it’s matched by physical comedy that hits just as hard. The sheer absurdity of PJ and Josie creating and executing their fight club is a total blast to see play out. The hurdles they go through in establishing some credibility and trying to mask their intentions are perfect. They lean fully into the club being about “empowering women” well and even though it’s initially just a ploy, it ends up being a great way for some meaningful perspectives and comical personalities to come out. Plus, the fight scenes throughout the film are hilariously ridiculous and the film isn’t afraid to show some real bloodshed. The finale fight is highly entertaining as well since it’s chock-full of fighting that’ll leave viewers jaw-dropped, roaring with laughter, and cheering for underdogs to come out on top.

Bottoms would be nothing without its incredible cast though and everyone delivers performances that make the film a continually comical experience. Sennott and Edebiri are a perfect on-screen pairing who elevate the heart and humor of the film greatly. Sennott adds another incredible comedic performance to her growing filmography, and she effortlessly drives the funniness of the film to all-time highs. Her ability to make PJ’s false sense of confidence and sheer desire to fulfill her sexual appetite so hilarious is a genuine treat and something that makes this film a true teen comedy. Edebiri also continues her own acting dominance with a strong performance that adds to 2023 being a breakout year for the rising talent. The awkwardness and heartfelt emotion she brings as Josie embodies the film’s heart and creates a genuine arc that viewers will connect with. Edebiri continues to show her great range and should easily be defined as a must-watch talent.

Sennott and Edebiri are also surrounded by a wide field of supporting performances with some notable standouts – especially Galitzine. Galitzine is easily the MVP of Bottoms because literally everything he does as Jeff is hilarious. There’s an over-the-top nature to Jeff that Galitzine taps into perfectly and it results in some scene-stealing lines and actions. He’s a perfectly petty villain and Jeff’s ego is hilariously stamped and felt all throughout the film. Jeff will be a crowd-favorite for sure and it’s all because Galitzine holds nothing back in being a delightfully nefarious force. Ruby Cruz – who makes her feature debut in Bottoms – will also be a delight for audiences as outcast Hazel. Not only does she provide some funny lines and is hilarious to see be disregarded by PJ, but audiences will also love the underdog elements to her arc as it’s something that impacts the arc of the film’s central group excellently. Also, it’s fun to have someone like former-NFL player Marshawn Lynch amongst the cast as well since he unexpectedly delivers some great lines and melds with the film’s humor incredibly well to be fun wild card.

The only aspect of Bottoms that doesn’t live up to the same marks as the comedy or performances is the overall story since it’s a little too rushed. The film blasts through its final act so swiftly that the character development of characters like PJ, Josie, and Hazel don’t feel as fulfilling as they should. Plus, these characters are just so enjoyable and entertaining that you can’t help but wish there was an extra 15 minutes just to spend more time with them. Still though, the film’s story manages to keep viewers invested through some standout story moments. 

The genuine conversations between its female characters about their faults and wishes to be something more are very empowering. It’s so much fun to see these characters do just about anything and the personalities on display are a chaotic blend that’s highly entertaining to watch. Also, the female perspective that’s brought from Seligman’s directing and writing collaboration with Sennott is a prevalent part to the film’s uniqueness and distinct impact. Not to mention, Bottoms plays like those classic teen movies and there’s more than enough to keep audiences entertained, engrossed, and enamored by its story, world, and characters.

Bottoms is one of the best comedies of the year and showcases some amazing performances, direction, writing, and hilarity that make it a distinct crowd-pleaser and an instant classic when it comes to teen comedies.

Watch the Trailer Here: