Is there any target more ripe for ridicule and parody then that of the self-obsessed “gen Z” youth? Well, yes, there are plenty of targets just as equal, but “Bodies Bodies Bodies” sets its sights squarely on the rich and privileged; the young folk who seem to have all the money in the world and none of the consequences of it.
Set in the midst of a “hurricane party,” the film follows a group of 20-something friends: Bee, played by Maria Bakalova (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “The Bubble”), Sophie, Bee’s girlfriend, played by Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give,” “Dear Evan Hansen”), Sophie’s childhood friend David, played by Pete Davidson (“Saturday Night Live,” “The King of Staten Island”), his actress girlfriend Emma, played by Chase Sui Wonders (“Daniel Isn’t Real,” Genera+ion”), podcaster Alice, played by Rachel Sennott (“Shiva Baby,” “Call Your Mother”), her older boyfriend Greg, played by Lee Pace (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Pushing Daisies”), and another childhood friend of Sophie’s Jordan, played by Myha’la Herrold (“Industry,” “Plan B”), dealing with a potential killer in their midst after the power goes out and one of them ends up dead.
The script, written by Sarah DeLappe from a story by Kristen Roupenian, is absolutely razor sharp and doesn’t do any of the film’s big egos any favors. Even as events seem dire, biting comments and acidic critiques are thrown back and forth, setting tensions high. Director Halina Reijn (“Instinct”) uses it like a kind of exercise in intensity that’s bolstered not just by the whodunnit nature, but also the crumbling friendships amongst it all. It stumbles a bit with some of the specific turns of phrase that leave it sounding less authentic than it seems, but the underlying wit is strong throughout.
With such a small cast, it’s a good thing everyone manages to be pretty fantastic. Pace and Davidson are both pillars of male idiocy toxicity in the best way, and each of the girls manages to carve out their own personality. For as much as the satirical elements want to paint these types of party girls as bad people, DeLappe at least puts effort into making them realized, fleshed out people by the end.
Even if the entire cast is stellar, the film is carried by Bakalova and Stenberg’s performances. Sophie and Bee are an engaging couple and are also extremely likable from the start. As things get more and more desperate, their likability might falter, but the performances never do. Bakalova in particular is the heart of the movie, easy to understand and empathize with the moment the shit hits the fan.
What might be the most impressive feat of this low budget whodunnit is the camerawork. For a film set almost entirely in the dark, illuminated by iPhone flashlights and glow sticks, there’s a lot of fantastic framing and cinematography from Jasper Wolf (“Dead & Beautiful,” “Monos”). It maintains a level of chaos and mystery, inviting audiences to lean forward and squint at the screen alongside the characters to try and see what might be around a corner or hidden in the pitch black. It’s a kind of controlled darkness and misinformation that works exceptionally well alongside the chaotic, almost malfunctioning electronic score from composer/musician Disasterpeace (“It Follows,” “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”).
The film’s biggest weak point isn’t something that’s executed poorly, rather it’s a hurdle that most won’t be able to overcome with the actual premise. It’s a bloody, nihilistic movie that could leave some viewers in an exasperated cold sweat by the end of its 95-minute runtime. The satirical nature of it all makes it a bit easier to swallow, but the ending twist especially could set some off with just how dreary things get. It’s a bleak affair and certainly not for everyone, but those who were already on board with the trailers will likely have a blast with this acidic, pitch black, bleak comedy.
If nihilism is your cup of tea and you’re in the mood to see some rich, narcissistic 20-somethings dead on the ground, run, don’t walk to A24’s latest horror party. With an acid-tipped wit and performances that embrace the unlikability of their characters, “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is a trip not for everyone, but tailor made for a certain group that will easily eat it up. 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment