So you're thinking about watching Bodies Bodies Bodies? Smart move. I caught this flick last month after my friend wouldn't shut up about it. "You HAVE to see the scene with Rachel Sennott and Myha'la," she kept saying. Honestly? Went in expecting another disposable slasher. Came out texting everyone I know about it. That's the real test, isn't it? When you actually bother to tell people.
What Is Bodies Bodies Bodies Actually About?
Look, don't let the trailer fool you. It's not just rich kids getting murdered during a hurricane party. There's way more happening. The setup seems simple enough: group of Gen Z friends play this murder-in-the-dark game called "Bodies Bodies Bodies" at a remote mansion. Storm hits. Power goes out. Then... real bodies start piling up. But director Halina Reijn sneaks in razor-sharp commentary about social media culture and friendship dynamics. Felt like watching my own group chats come to life (minus the murder, thankfully).
Key thing you should know: This isn't your typical jump-scare horror. More like... social horror? The tension comes from watching these characters turn on each other while trying to sound woke. Saw it with my cousin who kept elbowing me going "Oh god that's literally Jessica from book club."
Who's Who in the Chaos
| Actor | Character | Their Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Amandla Stenberg | Sophie | Fresh out of rehab, brings her sketchy new girlfriend |
| Maria Bakalova | Bee | Sophie's girlfriend, feels out of place among rich friends |
| Rachel Sennott | Alice | Podcaster dating an older dude (Greg), constantly filming |
| Pete Davidson | David | Host of the party, trust fund kid dripping in privilege |
| Myha'la Herrold | Jordan | David's ex, brings major chaotic energy |
Rachel Sennott steals every scene she's in. That girl deserves awards for making toxic positivity look terrifying. And Maria Bakalova? Complete 180 from Borat's daughter. Her facial reactions alone tell half the story.
What Works (And What Doesn't)
Let's get real about this bodies bodies bodies review. Nothing's perfect. Noticed some pacing issues around the middle when they're all arguing in the living room. Could've trimmed 5 minutes there. Also, the third act reveal didn't totally land for me – felt a bit rushed after all that buildup. But the good stuff? Oh man.
The Killer Stuff
- Dialogue that cuts like glass: When Jordan tells Sophie "Your trauma isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card"? Felt that in my bones.
- Actual Gen Z authenticity: No cringe "how do you do, fellow kids" writing. These conversations sound like things I've overheard at coffee shops.
- Visual flair: That storm-lit cinematography? Chef's kiss. Makes flashlight fights look like art.
- Killer comedy timing: Laugh-out-loud moments right before someone gets axed. Hard balance to pull off.
The Not-So-Great
- Predictable for horror veterans: If you've seen every slasher since '78, some twists won't surprise you.
- Pete Davidson fatigue: Playing another rich jerk. Feels like he's doing his SNL character sometimes.
- Underdeveloped backstories: Wanted deeper dives into why these friendships felt so combustible.
- Ending polarizes people: Without spoilers, let's just say the climax made half my theater groan.
Who Should Actually Watch This Thing?
Not for everyone. My mom would hate it. Here's who'll vibe with it:
- Horror-comedy fans: If you liked Ready or Not or Cabin in the Woods, same energy.
- Social satire lovers: It savages performative activism and influencer culture mercilessly.
- People who appreciate messy characters: Nobody's purely likable. All flawed in fascinating ways.
- Viewers tired of lazy jump scares: Builds dread through arguments, not cats jumping out of closets.
Biggest surprise? How much it sticks with you. Two weeks later I'm still thinking about that pool scene. Won't spoil it, but wow.
How Scary Is It Really?
Rate horror differently than some. On my personal scare-o-meter:
Could totally watch this with someone squeamish if they cover eyes during two specific moments (you'll know them). Way more tense than terrifying.
Standout Moments That Haunt You
Saw it Thursday night. Still replaying these scenes:
- The TikTok dance during chaos: Peak Gen Z absurdity. Laughed so hard I choked.
- "Who has trauma receipts?" argument: Dark humor gold while someone bleeds out nearby.
- Bee slowly realizing these people suck: Bakalova's silent expressions tell a whole novel.
- The pool scene: Visual perfection. That neon lighting? Iconic.
- The final 10 minutes: Changed my whole perspective on everything that came before.
Funny thing - my friend missed the entire point of the ending. Had to explain it over tacos later. Don't be that person.
How It Stacks Against Similar Films
Heard people calling it "Gen Z Knives Out." Nah. Closer to these:
| Film | Similarity Level | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Ready or Not (2019) | High | Same dark humor + rich people violence, but less social media focus |
| The Menu (2022) | Medium | Similar satire bite, but Bodies feels more grounded in reality |
| Scream (1996) | Medium | Meta-horror elements, but Bodies drops the whodunit quicker |
| Climax (2018) | Low | Shared chaotic party energy, but totally different execution |
Honestly? Liked it way more than The Menu. Felt less pretentious while making sharper points.
Where to Watch Bodies Bodies Bodies
Practical stuff since you're probably deciding right now:
- Streaming: On Netflix in most regions as of last month. Check your country.
- Rental: $3.99 on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu
- Physical: Blu-ray has decent extras - gag reel, commentary with director
- Showtimes: Still playing at some indie theaters. Worth big screen for the lighting alone.
Pro tip: Watch with friends. The arguing scenes become 10x funnier when you pause to roast characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (Real Ones)
Is Bodies Bodies Bodies based on a book?
Nope! Original screenplay by Kristen Roupenian (wrote viral short story "Cat Person"). Explains the sharp insights into toxic relationships.
How violent is it really?
Less graphic than something like Saw, but more psychological brutality. Two fairly bloody scenes. Otherwise implied violence mostly. Gets its R-rating for language more than gore.
What's up with the ending?
Can't spoil here, but will say this: Pay attention to Bee's facial expressions in the final shot. The whole point is in her eyes. My first viewing, totally missed it.
Is there a post-credits scene?
Nothing! Stayed till the bitter end expecting something. Just black screen. Wasted opportunity honestly.
Why the mixed reviews?
Think it divides people who want traditional horror versus social satire. Also that ending really splits audiences. Personally loved how it subverted expectations even if it frustrated some.
Should You Watch It? Final Thoughts
After sitting through it twice? Yeah. Definitely.
Look, it's not flawless. The middle drags a bit. Pete Davidson's character feels one-note. And yeah, the ending requires you to buy into some coincidences. But when it hits? Unmatched. That toxic friendship tension feels scarier than any ghost. Rachel Sennott deserves awards chatter. And Maria Bakalova proves Borat wasn't a fluke.
For your bodies bodies bodies review decision-making: If you like horror with brains and bite, stream it tonight. Bring snacks. Maybe text your friends afterward to see who they'd suspect first. Mine all pointed at me immediately. Rude.
Ultimately this bodies bodies bodies review comes down to this: It sticks with you. Weeks later, I'm still dissecting character motives with friends. How many horror comedies do that?
Personal Takeaways After Two Viewings
Walked out buzzing the first time. Second viewing revealed subtle clues I totally missed. Little things - like who touches which weapon early on. Or how often Alice "accidentally" films incriminating moments.
Biggest revelation? Jordan might be the most honest person there. Wild thought, I know. But watch how early she calls out the phoniness. Myha'la plays her with such fascinating layers.
Still hate Greg though. Every scene he's in grinds the momentum to a halt. They should've cut him entirely or given him something to do besides creep on Alice.
Final verdict in this bodies bodies bodies review? 4 out of 5 stars. Could trim 10 minutes. Needed more development for David. But man, when that neon hits the blood... pure cinema. You'll know the shot.
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