Director Emma Seligman’s latest offering, ‘Bottoms,’ shatters the conventions of high school comedies with a wild and unconventional narrative.
In the world of high school comedies, certain tropes and formulas have become all too familiar to audiences. However, Emma Seligman’s latest film, “Bottoms,” boldly breaks free from these conventions. Indeed, it offers a refreshing and anarchic take on the genre that challenges expectations.
“Bottoms,” set to hit theatres this Friday, defies the typical high school comedy narrative filled with house parties and adolescent antics. Instead, it takes viewers on a winding and surreal adventure into the realm of teenage absurdity. The story revolves around the lives of PJ, portrayed by Rachel Sennott, and Josie, played by Ayo Edebiri, two lifelong friends embarking on their senior year at Rock Ridge High.
Skewering High School Hierarchies
The film opens with a biting examination of high school social hierarchies. PJ and Josie find themselves either ascending to newfound popularity or plummeting to the lowest rungs of the social ladder. The school principal, portrayed by Wayne Pére, contributes to the absurdity by making announcements that are nothing short of outrageous. His declaration, “Could the ugly, untalented gays please report to the principal’s office?” sets the tone for the hilariously unconventional journey that follows.
PJ and Josie: Rebels Without a Cause
PJ, characterized by her bold and audacious demeanour, is determined to challenge their social status. In contrast, Josie takes a more resigned approach, seeking her own form of solace amidst the chaos. Their objectives are far from noble or well-defined, aligning with the film’s rejection of traditional coming-of-age narratives. “Bottoms” proudly revels in its eccentricity, rejecting attempts to categorize it within the confines of lesbian representation or female empowerment.
PJ and Josie share a common objective: capturing the attention of their cheerleader crushes. Josie harbours affections for Isabel, portrayed by Havana Rose Liu, while PJ swoons for Brittany, brought to life by Kaia Gerber. However, their romantic aspirations are met with indifference, as both cheerleaders remain entangled with the football quarterback, Jeff, played by Nicholas Galitzine.
In a daring departure from high school clichés, “Bottoms” presents the football jocks as outlandish and almost absurd characters. Simultaneously, they are portrayed as shockingly fragile. The film capitalizes on their exaggerated reactions, such as the principal’s fiery response to a minor car incident involving PJ and Jeff’s knee. This incident sets off a chain reaction, with wild rumors, instigated by PJ, suggesting the girls are a dangerous duo with a criminal past.
An Audacious Take on Adolescence
“Bottoms,” conceived by Emma Seligman, emerges as a one-of-a-kind high school comedy experience. It unabashedly embraces silliness, revels in political incorrectness, and exhibits a penchant for the bizarre. The film challenges the established norms of the genre, immersing viewers in a world where chaos reigns supreme, and the unexpected is always just around the corner. Seligman’s audacious interpretation of adolescence beckons audiences to leave their expectations at the door and fully embrace the anarchy and absurdity that unfolds on the screen.
