Premiering with a limited theatrical release, “Bottoms” has blown the internet away with its premise and unique characters. Directed by Emma Seligman and co-written by Rachel Sennott, the film revolves around two lesbian best friends, Josie (Ayo Edebiri) and PJ (Rachel Sennott), who are self-described “losers”. They set up a fight club, with the help of their fellow lesbian Hazel (Ruby Cruz), under the premise of hooking up with the hot cheerleaders, Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittney (Kaia Gerber).
The film is a rare gem, when most LBGT+ films are overshadowed by the number of MLM (men-loving-men) movies, while “Bottoms” focuses entirely on representing lesbians.
Someone from the Class of 2026, who chose to remain anonymous, comments how they absolutely adored “Bottoms”. “I definitely appreciated the representation for ‘ugly untalented lesbians,’” says the first year. “My roommate and I had a good laugh about the first scene where PJ and Josie plot to get girlfriends.”
“But on a serious note, I’m tired of the all-too familiar trope (found in films like ‘Carol’ or ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’) where the protagonist doesn’t ‘get the girl.’ What makes ‘Bottoms’ stand out from other LGBTQ films (and lesbian-centered media for the most part) is the grace with which it handles the messiness of ‘non-traditional’ high school relationships.” They go on about how “‘Bottoms’ was a breath of fresh air, and honestly made me feel better about my own (admittedly lackluster) high school experience.”
“I think ‘Bottoms’’ greatest achievement is the sense of community it creates between generations, because, let’s be real, we’ve all been desperate losers who wanted a chance to be “normal.” I loved this film, because it proves that “normal” is whatever we make it out to be. It could be as crazy as lying about juvie or making an empowering fight club, or as simple as making out with the girl you like.”
This, as well as its brilliant comedy and cast performance, drew a lot of attention online for its unique actors and actresses such as the people’s princess, Ayo Edebiri, and “Red, White, and Royal Blue star,” Nicholas Galitzine. Carme Sanz-Munoz from Class of 2026 wrote that “[they] really enjoyed being Bottomed! So much so [that they’ve] been Bottomed twice. The soundtrack RULED and every character was HOT. [They] also think Ayo Edebiri should rule the world.”
The film is incredibly hilarious for its nail-hitting jokes regarding queer culture, the satirization of 2000s teen comedies by poking fun at jock/cheerleader stereotypes, and the over-dramatization of how high school functions. Ella Wesneyak of Class of 2026 thought that ”‘Bottoms’ was so good that [they’ve] already watched all of Willow just to see Ruby Cruz again.” My own personal and only gripe of the film was the way Rachel Sennott’s character was written because I think she was way too mean with her sarcasm and quips, but I do believe she fit what a satirized rude white high school lesbian would act like. However, I believe many people don’t ruminate over this as I do, as Wesneyak comments, “I don’t even remember the plot because I was lost in Hazel Callahan’s eyes. Cinema is back and gayer than ever. Also, Jeff.”
