Not one, Not two, but THREE Bodies- 'Bodies Bodies Bodies'

I hate horror films. Not because I actually hate them; I’ve enjoyed the very limited ones I’ve seen. However, it takes convincing for me to watch them—either by peers or some self-motivation. Until about a year ago, the only horror film I had seen was Bird Box, and to me, that was terrifying. I’m pretty sure I had to stop watching because it got too dark, so I could pick it up the next day during daylight. When it comes to horror, I’m a huge wimp. I hate jump scares, but more importantly, I hate the suspense building up to the scare—which is what makes a good horror film. Based on this, this review of a horror film I recently watched will be a rarity.

I recently watched Bodies Bodies Bodies, the Halina Reijn comedy horror slasher film, in the cinema. Despite being a comedy slasher film, I was still scared to watch it, especially since this was the first time I had seen a horror film in the cinema. The complete darkness and inability to hide behind a cushion or use my phone as a “I’m not scared; just checking my Instagram” technique were gone—just me and the jump scares. But I had been looking forward to this film ever since two actresses I follow on Instagram were attached to it.

One is Chase Sui Wonders. I had seen her in the TV show Generation, followed her, and her discography for one reason: I fancy the hell out of her.

The second actress is Rachel Sennott. I followed her for a less objectifying reason. I watched Shiva Baby about a year ago after seeing the YouTube film reviewer Karsten Runquist log it, thinking it sounded like a film I would enjoy—which I did. Very much. It was one of my favorite films that year, and I went away thinking Sennott was brilliant, following her to see what other work she would produce.

I was excited to see a film with these two actresses, and my excitement only grew when I realized it looked like it would be a very good film. So I convinced myself to overcome the fear of suspenseful slasher jump scares and see it in the cinema. If anything, it wasn't even scary. Yes, it had classic slasher buildup scares, which were effective, but the film was hilarious. Sennott's monologue near the end of the film about Jordan’s parents had me in stitches. Every single performance was brilliant, effectively satirizing Generation Z.

The satirical script delivered perfectly by the head-to-toe blood-covered, enraged characters was pure chaos. A man named Jasper Wolf was the cinematographer on the film, using practical lighting very effectively. With the use of glow sticks and the light from iPhones as the only light guiding both the characters and us, the audience, through the huge mansion that was plunged into darkness throughout the storm.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed the film and would recommend it for a good time. I didn’t find it predictable; I often knew something was about to happen but was never quite sure what it would be. Criticizing the film, there were definitely some scenes I can remember two weeks after watching it, while others I can’t recall. Perhaps those could have been cut, as I don’t remember them being key to the 95-minute plot. Plus, I hated the character Bee. I can’t quite give a reason, but I just didn’t care about her at all. I didn’t think she contributed much as a character; she easily got lost amid the chaos presented by the other characters. That would have been fine if I liked her more, but if anything, I was just like, “Ugh, go back to the fun characters when she came on screen.”

Overall, I would happily watch it again. I’m very glad Sennott is getting more recognition and pleased I have finally seen a film that I think successfully poked fun at Gen Z without flopping or being too cringe.

But you will never catch me playing Bodies Bodies Bodies, even considering the fun plot twist at the end.

Evie 25 September 2022