It is hard to write an audience-pleasing comedy nowadays, but thanks to powerhouse producer Elizabeth Banks (

Cocaine Bear

and

Pitch Perfect

),

Bottoms

made a splash even before its release. Spearheaded by the writing team of director Emma Seligman and leading actor Rachel Sennott,

Bottoms

is a comedy that follows two lesbian high schoolers, know as the “ugly, untalented gays” who start a fight club in order to gain the attention of the popular girls at their school. The writing, acting and cinematography is perfectly campy, with the feel of a modern day

Heathers

(1989). This is not the first time Seligman and Sennott have collaborated, as the two worked together on the critically acclaimed 2020 film

Shiva Baby

, which served as a breakout piece for both Seligman’s writing and Sennott’s acting. By taking a complete turn from the dark undertones and dry humor featured in

Shiva Baby

, the two women prove that they are powerful forces in Hollywood and are here to stay.

Bottoms

was faced with an incredibly hard task: making a comedy about LGBTQ + women that is both tasteful and enjoyable for gay and straight audiences alike. Comedies surrounding lesbian main characters are few and far between, and it has been a while since one has made a big splash like cult classic

But I’m a Cheerleader

(1999). With hilarious one-liners and impeccable physical comedy throughout the film, it is also driven by a powerful cast. Leading actors Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri (

The Bear

) deliver with incredible chemistry and comedic timing, creating characters that you can both be angry at and love simultaneously. The ensemble of actors who play the members of the school’s fight club each bring their own unique element to the table, with clearly thought-out backstories and subplots. Supporting actor Nicholas Galitzine (

Red White & Royal Blue

), who plays star football quarterback Jeff, brings hilarious physical comedy to his role, adding laughs throughout the movie. NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, who plays teacher Mr. G, delivers an unexpectedly delightful performance, particularly in his speech following the film’s climax in which he denounces feminism. Needless to say, this movie does not hold back, balancing story with raunch in a refreshing way.

Though the film is brilliantly done, there is an element of whimsy that is so rarely seen in recent films. The bloopers shown in the film’s ending credits added an unnecessarily hilarious cap to an already funny movie, and added an even deeper appreciation to the brilliance of Lynch’s performance. The movie made many directorial choices that if left out would not have taken much away from the film and yet added so much, such as the ambiguity of when the movie takes place. Though this is never specified, one character is seen using a flip-phone while smartphones are deliberately never mentioned in a refreshing way.

Bottoms

is a crowd pleaser that adds a breath of fresh air to the film industry that has been so desperately needed.