Bodies Bodies Bodies

      By Amy Kim

A Thrilling Yet Hilarious Whodunnit Delight

When a group of 20-somethings stay at their friend’s mansion for a hurricane party, all is going well… until one of them turns up dead in the midst of a murder mystery game. Paranoia engulfs the rest, as no one can be trusted. Bodies Bodies Bodies is an absolute delight that kept me guessing the killer until the end. It also doubles as an excellent, nuanced commentary on Gen-Z culture.


If there is one thing that Bodies Bodies Bodies nails above all else, it’s the screenplay. The script is witty and chaotic from the get-go, but as the story becomes more unhinged, the screenwriters are able to really flex their skills as they depict the unraveling of these rich, entitled 20-year-olds. While it’s undeniably a takedown of Gen-Z culture, it nevertheless felt authentic. Even if Gen-Z commentary doesn’t appeal to you, the conversations these characters have are also just so enjoyable. Plus, the film’s satirical elements never overshadowed its thrills or its whodunnit goodness. Speaking of which, the mystery in this film is seriously well-executed. I was switching my killer prediction after nearly every other scene, yet still managed to feel caught off-guard by the ending (which is nothing short of glorious). This script is simply too enjoyable to not love.


This film also features a fairly large ensemble of characters. It makes the whodunnit a lot more interesting, but it also means that none of the characters are fully fleshed out. This is probably my biggest issue with Bodies Bodies Bodies, as it would be nice to know more about who these characters really are. Until the last 30 minutes, the characters are mostly distinguishable thanks to the cast. Everyone in this film does a fantastic job and helps give these unlikable people more depth. However, the standouts for me had to be Maria Bakalova and Rachel Sennott. Bakalova aces the audience surrogate/fish out of water role by showcasing her character’s vulnerability and insecurities without just coming across as weak. Meanwhile, Sennott is an absolute scene-stealer with her magnificent comedic timing and line delivery. But overall, the acting in this movie helps elevate its somewhat lacking character writing.


Technically speaking, nothing in Bodies Bodies Bodies is particularly noteworthy on its own. However, the lighting, editing, sound, cinematography, and direction all come together to create an intense experience that leaves you on the edge of your seat.


All in all, Bodies Bodies Bodies is an absolute must-watch for any whodunnit fans. Its sharp dialogue, strong cast, and unpredictable mystery made it an exciting watch. While the characters could’ve been written better, they’re still so fun to watch onscreen. This is now easily one of my favorite films of the year, and I highly recommend checking it out.






 



9/10