"Bottoms" - A Queer Coming-of-Age Dark Comedy: Plot, Cast, Release Date, Where to Watch

07.09.2023 - 14:37

In the world of contemporary cinema, few directors have made as significant an impact as Emma Seligman. With her 2020 debut feature film, 'Shiva Baby,' Seligman garnered critical acclaim and established herself as a filmmaker to watch. Now, she's back with a dark and raucous comedy titled 'Bottoms,' co-written alongside Rachel Sennott. This eagerly anticipated film premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival on March 11, 2023, and made its way to theaters in the United States on August 25, 2023. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about 'Bottoms' – from its plot to its star-studded cast and where you can watch it.

Plot: A Quirky Twist on High School Comedy

'Bottoms' takes us into the tumultuous world of Rockbridge Falls High School, where two queer best friends, PJ and Josie, portrayed by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, are on a mission to spice up their high school lives. The film unfolds as PJ pines for Brittany, a straight cheerleader played by Kaia Gerber, while Josie is infatuated with Isabel, a popular cheerleader brought to life by Havana Rose Liu. The quirky twist in this narrative comes when PJ and Josie decide to set up a fight club – not for violence, but as a cunning ruse to attract the attention of their desired cheerleaders.

Their elaborate plan takes a hilarious turn when rumors start circulating about their supposed time in juvenile detention and a physical brawl with Jeff, the quarterback of the Rockbridge Falls Vikings, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine. As the school's principal threatens expulsion, Josie quickly fabricates a feminist 'self-defense club' to save face. With the unwitting support of Mr. G, an easygoing teacher, PJ and Josie set up the club, all the while secretly hoping it will lead them to their romantic pursuits.

The story continues to unfold in chaotic and comedic ways as PJ, Josie, and their friends become closer through their fight club activities. Hazel, their friend, uncovers her mother's affair with Jeff and spills the beans to PJ and Josie. This revelation leads to a series of events that include public breakups, vandalism, and even a car explosion. As the chaos escalates, the fight club's true purpose is revealed, leading to public humiliation for PJ and Josie.

With the club on the brink of disbandment, PJ and Hazel engage in a heated fight that further complicates matters. But as the stakes rise, and a potentially life-threatening situation emerges at an upcoming football game, PJ and Josie must reconcile with their past actions and unite with their fellow club members to prevent disaster.

'Bottoms' is a unique blend of high school comedy, queer coming-of-age, and dark humor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The film is a satirical take on victimization, violence, and the pursuit of desire, all wrapped up in a wild and outrageous package.

The Stellar Cast: A Mix of Rising Stars and Established Names

One of the standout elements of 'Bottoms' is its talented ensemble cast, featuring a mix of emerging talents and established names from the world of film and entertainment. The film stars:

Rachel Sennott as PJ: Sennott, known for her breakthrough role in 'Shiva Baby,' returns to collaborate with Emma Seligman once again. Her performance promises to be a highlight of the film, adding depth and humor to the character of PJ.
Ayo Edebiri as Josie: Ayo Edebiri, a multi-talented comedian, writer, and actor, takes on the role of Josie. Her previous work includes appearances in 'The Bear' and 'Dickinson,' and her inclusion in 'Bottoms' is sure to bring a fresh and comedic perspective to the story.
Ruby Cruz as Hazel Callahan: Ruby Cruz makes her feature film debut as Hazel, one of PJ and Josie's close friends. Her character plays a pivotal role in the film's events, and Cruz's performance is anticipated to be a standout moment.
Havana Rose Liu as Isabel: Havana Rose Liu steps into the shoes of Isabel, the object of Josie's affection. Liu's portrayal adds depth and complexity to the character, as she navigates the challenges of high school romance.
Kaia Gerber as Brittany: Model and actress Kaia Gerber takes on the role of Brittany, the cheerleader who captures PJ's heart. Gerber's inclusion in the cast adds star power and intrigue to the film.
Nicholas Galitzine as Jeff: Nicholas Galitzine, known for his roles in 'Cinderella' and 'The Beat Beneath My Feet,' portrays Jeff, the quarterback who inadvertently becomes a central figure in the story's chaos.
Miles Fowler as Tim: Miles Fowler joins the cast as Tim, a fellow Vikings player. His character contributes to the film's unexpected twists and turns.
Dagmara Domińczyk as Mrs. Callahan: Dagmara Domińczyk plays Mrs. Callahan, a character intertwined with the chaos that unfolds at Rockbridge Falls High School.
Marshawn Lynch as Mr. G: Former NFL player Marshawn Lynch takes on the role of Mr. G, the club's advisor. His comedic presence adds a unique flavor to the film's humor.
Punkie Johnson as Rhodes: Punkie Johnson, known for her work on 'Saturday Night Live,' portrays Rhodes, a character who provides guidance and support to Josie in her journey.
Zamani Wilder as Annie, Summer Joy Campbell as Sylvie, Virginia Tucker as Stella-Rebecca, Wayne Péré as Principal Meyers: These talented actors round out the ensemble cast, contributing to the vibrant and chaotic world of 'Bottoms.'

The diverse and dynamic cast brings 'Bottoms' to life, infusing each character with personality and humor. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, adding to the film's overall appeal.

Production and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

'Bottoms' is a product of collaboration between multiple production companies, including Orion Pictures and Brownstone Productions. The film was produced by Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Alison Small, and Alana Mayo, bringing together a team with a track record of delivering engaging and innovative cinema.

The film's production took place in New Orleans between April 18 and May 27, 2022, under the direction of Emma Seligman. Eunice Jera Lee served as the costume designer for 'Bottoms,' drawing inspiration from iconic films such as 'Grease,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'Heathers,' 'Jawbreaker,' and 'Bring It On.' This choice of inspiration hints at the film's blend of nostalgia and contemporary storytelling.

The soundtrack of 'Bottoms' features music by Charli XCX and Leo Birenberg, adding a vibrant and energetic dimension to the film's atmosphere.

Release and Distribution

'Bottoms' made its highly anticipated debut at the SXSW Festival on March 11, 2023, where it garnered attention and excitement from festival-goers and industry insiders alike. Following its festival premiere, the film found its way to theaters in the United States on August 25, 2023. Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), the film embarked on a limited theatrical release that generated significant buzz.

The movie's initial release saw it screening in ten theaters across major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. 'Bottoms' got off to a strong start at the box office, earning $461,052 in its opening weekend. This impressive performance translated to a remarkable per-theater average of $46,105, making it the highest per-screen average for a film on ten or more screens since 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' in 2022.

Building on this success, 'Bottoms' expanded its theatrical reach in its second weekend, screening in 715 theaters across the United States. During the four-day Labor Day frame, the film grossed a total of $3 million, pushing its cumulative earnings to $3.58 million. As of September 6, 2023, 'Bottoms' has raked in $4.9 million in box office revenue in the United States and Canada.

Critical Acclaim: A Dark Comedy Classic in the Making

'Bottoms' has earned widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its position as an instant classic in the high school comedy genre. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 95% approval rating based on 139 critics' reviews. The average rating of 7.9/10 reflects the film's ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike. The consensus on Rotten Tomatoes aptly describes 'Bottoms' as 'propulsive and over-the-top,' highlighting its unique blend of contemporary relevance and nostalgic charm.

Metacritic, another influential review aggregator, has assigned 'Bottoms' a score of 77 out of 100, based on assessments from 36 critics. This score indicates 'generally favorable reviews' and underscores the film's capacity to engage and entertain a diverse range of viewers.

Audiences have also embraced 'Bottoms' with enthusiasm. PostTrak polls reveal that the film has received a 93% positive score from viewers, with women under 25 expressing their approval at an impressive 98%. Furthermore, 96% of surveyed viewers expressed a strong inclination to recommend the film to others. These statistics underscore the film's broad appeal and its ability to resonate with young audiences, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community.

"Bottoms" - A Game-Changer in Teen Comedy

'Bottoms' represents a significant milestone in contemporary cinema, redefining the teen comedy genre with its audacious storytelling, memorable characters, and unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary. Emma Seligman, alongside co-writer Rachel Sennott, has once again delivered a film that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds.

The stellar cast, featuring emerging talents and established names, brings depth and authenticity to the film's characters, creating a memorable ensemble that captures the essence of high school life. With a compelling plot that combines high school romance, queer coming-of-age, and dark humor, 'Bottoms' offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and absurdities of adolescence.

So, if you're in the mood for a comedy that's bold, irreverent, and unapologetically queer, 'Bottoms' is a must-watch. Whether you're a fan of high school comedies or simply seeking a cinematic experience that defies expectations, this film promises to deliver a wild and unforgettable ride through the halls of Rockbridge Falls High School.