Review: Bodies Bodies Bodies
A compelling slasher genre re-invigoration.
Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott in “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” (A24 Films)
A group of young 20-something friends gather together to reconnect only for their peaceful getaway to be disrupted once they’re picked off one by one. It is now up to them to figure out the killer’s identity before they’re next on the chopping block. Pretty straightforward plot that’s the basis of the new slasher comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies.
However, director Halina Reijn and screenwriter Sarah DeLappe manage to take a familiar story line and take it down newer avenues. For one, it’s a rare slasher film that puts openly queer characters in the forefront. From literally the very first scene where they start kissing, it’s established that the main protagonists Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) and Bee (Maria Bakalova) are in a relationship without their queerness ever becoming a major plot point. Additionally, thanks to DeLappe’s great emphasis on character, the main group of friends manage to feel like full-fledged characters rather than prototypical slasher movie tropes.
Understandably, some might find the characters grating due to their vapidity and raging narcissism. However, their hidden resentments towards each other that gradually reach the surface and cut as sharp as a knife make them engaging. Also, their varied personalities help heighten the mystery as to who the murderer might be.
On one hand, Bee being the shy bystander and outsider of the group makes her a doable candidate. On the other, Emma (Chase Sui Wonders) being an actress means her panic and fear could be her playing pretend. Meanwhile, the cold, elusive Jordan (Myha’la Herrold) makes one wonder along with Emma’s older petulant boyfriend David (Pete Davidson). Then again, the bewildering Sophie whose sudden arrival causes unease among the group makes them rather suspicious.
Rachel Sennott as Alice and Lee Pace as Greg in “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” (A24 Films)
At the same time, they could all just be a red herring for Alice, the vapid podcast host who could be dialing up her air-headed personality to avoid suspicion. An occasionally comical embodiment of social media vanity, Alice is played with seamless magnetism by Rachel Sennott, the MVP of the stellar ensemble who previously wowed viewers with her star-making performance in Shiva Baby. Rounding out the ensemble is Lee Pace who leaves an impression as Greg, Alice’s stunning himbo boyfriend.
Along with the performances, cinematographer Jasper Wolf’s dizzying camera work contributes to the picture’s strenuous tone. As the characters frantically sprint around the mansion without cell service to call for help or electricity due to a power outage caused by a hurricane, the camera that either shakes or closes in on everyone’s faces causes the viewer to feel the same anxiety as our doomed protagonists.
Except in the drawn-out climax, the overall picture remains a splendid exercise in claustrophobic terror. The intended searing satirizing of the Internet-savvy Gen-Z populace brings slight laughs. Yet, the tense dynamic from the acting ensemble and director Halina Reijn’s reliance on atmosphere are what really make Bodies Bodies Bodies a compelling experience.
Grade: A-