‘Bottoms’ Revolutionizes the Teen Sex Comedy Genre with a Brawl Club and a Surprising Twist

Pop Culture ‘Bottoms‘ Reinvents the Teen Sex Comedy with a Fight Club and a Lesbian Twist

A New Take on the Teen Sex Comedy

In her second feature film, “Bottoms,” director Emma Seligman pays homage to the “nerd gets the girl” films of the 1990s. Co-written with Rachel Sennott, who also stars in the film, “Bottoms” follows two awkward best friends, PJ and Josie, as they navigate their way through their senior year of high school. The film takes a violent and gender-swapped approach to the teen sex comedy genre, forcing its characters to grapple with the ethics of lying to get what they want.

Challenging Stereotypes and Exploring Feminism

Seligman and Sennott originally set out to write a high school sex comedy featuring queer characters. However, under Seligman’s influence, the film took a turn into the action realm. Drawing inspiration from films like “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Kick-Ass,” and “Attack the Block,” “Bottoms” presents a sapphic twist on the “nerd gets the girl” flick.

The film starts with PJ and Josie, self-described “gay, untalented, and ugly” virgins, who are determined to improve their prospects before graduation. They form a fight club for the girls at their high school, with the ultimate goal of impressing their crushes and losing their virginity. As the scheme unfolds, the characters are forced to confront the manipulation of feminism and the consequences of their actions.

A Brutal Teenage Experience

While “Bottoms” is written for laughs, it inadvertently highlights the brutality of the teenage experience. The film’s satirical portrayal of girl-on-girl violence, accompanied by bloody noses and knockouts, adds to its effectiveness. Seligman remarks that many people were shocked by the level of violence in the film, as it goes beyond typical expectations for a teen comedy. The fight club scenes, executed with precision by the cast, bring a fresh and empowered perspective to the genre.

Unique Characters and Chemistry

The film’s queer antiheroes bring something unique to the genre. PJ and Josie elevate the cinematic nerd archetype with deadpan humor, amoral attitudes, and sapphic sensibilities. Sennott and Edebiri’s chemistry on screen is evident, stemming from their long working relationship and collaboration as students at New York University. Their ability to play off each other and bring their socially inept characters to life adds depth and authenticity to the film.

Unintentional Social Commentary

While Seligman and Sennott aimed primarily to create a funny and entertaining film about horny teens, some deeper meaning may have inadvertently emerged. Seligman explains that the portrayal of female friendships in media often feels unrealistic and overly positive. By placing PJ and Josie in a raunchy, teen sex comedy, Seligman challenges traditional ideas of female friendships and explores how horny women and queer people are allowed to be represented on screen.

Editorial

Empowering Teenagers and Challenging Stereotypes

“Bottoms” offers a refreshing and empowering take on the teen sex comedy genre. By centering the story around queer female characters and exploring themes of manipulation and consent, the film challenges outdated gender norms and stereotypes. It portrays flawed, hormonal teenagers who happen to be queer and female, reminding audiences that teenagers are complex individuals with their own desires, struggles, and agency.

The Importance of Authentic Representation

In an industry that has often marginalized queer characters and relied on stereotypes, “Bottoms” stands as an example of the power of authentic representation. Seligman’s decision to cast queer actors in queer roles and draw on her own experiences as a queer woman adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film. This type of representation is crucial in providing young queer audiences with characters they can relate to and role models they can aspire to be.

Advice

Exploring Identity and Agency

For young audiences, “Bottoms” serves as a reminder that it is okay to be imperfect and navigate complex emotions and desires. The film encourages teenagers to embrace their own identity and agency, rather than conforming to societal expectations. It challenges the notion that being horny or wanting to explore one’s sexuality is something to be ashamed of, and instead highlights the importance of open and honest communication.

Fostering Empathy and Understanding

“Bottoms” presents an opportunity for viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and experiences of queer teenagers. By shedding light on the complexities of identity, friendship, and navigating societal expectations, the film fosters empathy and promotes dialogue. It encourages audiences to reflect on their own biases and preconceived notions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

In conclusion, “Bottoms” breaks new ground in the teen sex comedy genre by reinventing traditional tropes and adding a sapphic twist. The film’s unique characters, satirical approach, and unintentional social commentary make it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch. Through authentic representation and exploration of identity and agency, “Bottoms” empowers young audiences and fosters empathy and understanding.