Films and TV have tried many times to poke fun at Gen Z and influencer culture; however, these jokes often fall flat, crafting stories that feel out of touch with the times. Thankfully, Bodies Bodies Bodies is able to make fun of said generation without feeling out of touch. Directed by Halina Reijn, screenplay by Sarah DeLappe, and story by Kristen Roupenian, Bodies Bodies Bodies is about a group of affluent 20-somethings having a party at a mansion and playing a game that turns deadly. The movie sets up a twisted, satirical take on the traditional whodunit genre, and joins the ranks of X and Nope as a strong entry in a phenomenal year for horror.
Bodies Bodies Bodies is a dark comedy not afraid to critique the upper class in a tongue-in-cheek way, specifically focusing on a younger generation benefiting from privilege. For anyone outside that circle, it'll be fun to watch these characters tear themselves apart from the inside out, although it may be a lot for some viewers to spend the entire film with a group of characters like this. Even for viewers who are part of Gen Z, the way this satire is handled is still biting and vicious without leaving them out of the joke. In fact, the movie's presentation is impressive and unique, as those being satirized in the film have a chance for self-reflection and a good time thanks to the writing, which does not feel dated, and the engaging acting.
The actors in Bodies Bodies Bodies were put up to a difficult task, as it could be easy to set these characters up as caricatures; however, the cast plays up the jokes while still creating characters who feel real despite the absurdity. Maria Bakalova (Bee) is a great outsider looking into this wild world, giving audiences a compelling point-of-view character who has plenty of agency.
Meanwhile, Amandla Stenberg (Sophie) is the star and continues to be a stand-out actor, one that viewers of Bodies Bodies Bodies cannot get enough of. Sophie is complicated, to say the least, and the writing accompanied by Stenberg's performance keeps viewers guessing. Despite her flaws, she is still someone viewers can't get enough of. Stenberg delivers an engaging performance of a flawed character, making Sophie a welcomed addition to the long list of compelling women in horror. Rachel Sennott (Alice) also deserves a shout-out for playing her character so seriously and making her feel real, even though she is mostly a joke and easy to laugh at.
As for the mystery of Bodies Bodies Bodies, it is a fun one to unravel. There are plenty of genuine clues and false ones to keep viewers on edge as they try to figure out who the killer is. Nothing feels maliciously misleading, with false leads still making sense in hindsight and keeping things fresh. Plus, by the end, the truth is surprising yet satisfying. The writing for Bodies Bodies Bodies is stellar, as exhibited by how this mystery plays out accompanied by its cutting comedy.
For those entering Bodies Bodies Bodies looking for a slasher film, the movie's whodunit nature may disappoint. However, the film still captures elements of the horror genre at large and delivers a dark comedy that will satisfy fans of Ready or Not and Heathers. Bodies Bodies Bodies is fresh, funny, and full of mystery, giving fans the dark satire they deserve this summer -- as well as a new game to play with friends.
Bodies Bodies Bodies is now playing in theaters.