I’ve been excited for Bodies Bodies Bodies since the day the movie was announced, mainly because of its ensemble cast. It’s also a slasher/whodunit that’s got a heavy injection of humor, so it’s right up my alley. I’m happy to report that it was right up my alley, but it might not be for everyone.
Bodies Bodies Bodies follows the story of a group of friends that spend an evening together in a mansion during a hurricane. While sheltering together, they decide to play a party game called Bodies Bodies Bodies. In the game, one character is secretly designated as the killer, and is tasked with eliminating the other players before they can discover their identity. This time, however, the game turns deadly when people start to actually lose their life.
As I mentioned up top, Bodies Bodies Bodies has a standout cast, and they absolutely make this movie worth watching. Amandla Stenberg, Rachel Sennott, and Lee Pace were some of my favorites. I couldn’t keep my eyes off any of them when they were on-screen. By the way, if you haven’t seen Rachel Sennott in Shiva Baby, I highly recommend it. Myha'la Herrold had a standout performance in the movie. I wasn’t very familiar with her work going in, but she really steals some scenes and is the focal point of some of the best moments.
As a Slasher, Bodies Bodies Bodies delivers on its title. There’s plenty of violence and blood, and I could feel the constant threat throughout the movie. However, it left a little bit to be desired with its murder mystery. While there is a satisfying resolution and some interesting messages to take from it, it kind of lacked a strong narrative twist in its third act. I was hoping for a “holy shit” moment that would completely transform any future rewatches (a trait I think most good mysteries have), but it didn’t come. As someone whose favorite horror film of all time is Scream, I think I’m just a bit snooty in that regard.
Bodies Bodies Bodies is hilarious. Its script is packed with references to modern social media and Gen Z culture. It can be a bit absurd, but still totally believable when you consider the things people actually do and say in the real world. That said, it’s definitely tailored towards younger generations. While a lot of the jokes and references landed with me, it could easily fly over your head if that’s not your generation, and you might find it cringy. There was an elderly couple in my row and I don’t think they chuckled once, but me and the younger dude behind me were cracking up the whole way through.
I definitely recommend Bodies Bodies Bodies. A24 continues to deliver unique and inventive films, and this is another solid addition to their impressive 2022 line-up. That said, I don’t think it will have universal appeal. If what I laid out in the review sounds good to you, check it out as soon as you can!
