A One Mann’s Movies review of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022).
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” was a teen-slasher flick that I’d seen little positive written about. So I went in with particularly low expectations. But, for once, I was pleasantly surprised. I certainly found it more entertaining as a murder/mystery than the current “See How They Run“.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) and Bee (Maria Bakalova) are newly in two weeks into their torrid relationship as they attend a reunion of friends at a remote mansion. Alcohol and drugs are imbibed as a hurricane rolls in. Sophie initiates the party game reflected in the movie’s title (in the UK I know this as “Murder in the Dark”). But events start to go into freefall as one of the party ends up dead. Who will survive? And who is the murderer?
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Rachel Sennott, Chase Sui Wonders, Pete Davidson, Myha’la Herrold, Lee Pace.
Directed by: Halina Reijn.
Written by: Sarah DeLappe. Based on a story by Kristen Roupenian.
Twitter Handles: #bodiesbodiesbodies.
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” Review:
Positives:
- It’s a very “Gen-Z” film, focused on TikTok and social media tropes. From some of the entrenched positions I see on Twitter etc., I have the impression – possibly wrong – that Gen Z’s are quite serious about their views on social matters and REALLY don’t like being challenged about them. This satirical film mercilessly takes the piss out of some of their views, particularly during one soul-searching and very cutting scene in the middle of the film. (One of the characters gets dissed for claiming she has “body dysmorphic disorder”!) As such I can see them chanting “cancel, cancel, cancel” about this one! But I thought it was all very amusing!
- I will admit that I was veering towards a 3* on this one. Until, that is, I reached the finale. That ending threw in a novel twist that I didn’t see coming and which made me laugh out loud!
- The young female actors all deliver spirited performances. Amandla Stenberg impressed me in “The Hate U Give” and for me was about the only memorable thing in “The Darkest Minds“. And she has further matured here, showing masses of confidence and displaying real screen presence. Maria Balalova – she of “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” fame – proves she can display drama as well as comedy chops. Rachel Sennott is hilarious as the strung-out Alice. And I was particularly taken by Myha’la Herrold who plays the headstrong and gun-toting Jordan.
Negatives
- I felt very old watching this: what a bunch of vapid, self-obsessed and unpleasant people to have a party with! And I very much despair for young people if this drug-taking is seen as ”the norm” for Gen-Z teens. BTW, seems a bit crazy that the recent Fiennes/Chastain movie “The Forgiven” got an “18” for the drug taking, when full-grown adults were doing it. Yet here are teens doing much more, with added violence, and the BBFC gives it a “15”?! You figure!
- The script has a tendency to wander a bit at times (I believe the actors were encouraged to improv some scenes). Although the movie’s only a very welcome 96 minutes long, the script could have honed a more laser-focus target on better ridiculing some of the more ridiculous aspects of today’s teen society.
Summary Thoughts on “Bodies Bodies Bodies”:
Will this stand out in my long term memory? Probably not. And as a bunch of young people to spend time with, they were hyper-annoying! However, I found the movie surprisingly entertaining and was never bored. And the denouement was a surprising twist!
Trailer:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTzGKsZjBOY .
