The English language debut from Dutch actress and filmmaker Halina Reijn, Bodies Bodies Bodies follows a group of rich 20-somethings who throw a ‘hurricane party’ at a remote family mansion, only for things to take a deadly turn.
Amanda Stenberg and the Oscar nominated Maria Bakalova star as girlfriends Sophie and Bee, who arrive uninvited at the house of David (Pete Davidson) to ride out an incoming hurricane. Also in attendance are a group of Sophie’s friends, Alice, Emma and Jordan, who seem less than thrilled to see her, as well as Alice’s new boyfriend Greg played by the always excellent Lee Pace.
As night falls, Sophie suggests they play a game of Bodies Bodies Bodies, which is basically hide and seek on the move. This involves drawing lots to choose a ‘Killer’ and then turning off the house lights to begin the hunt. However, when a member of the group turns up dead for real, things get out of hand fast.
As a slasher set-up, this will seem all too familiar to fans of the genre, but the contemporary whodunnit twist keeps it engaging. The friends, who are all various levels of insufferable, have a complicated and storied history with each other and every relationship is loaded with baggage. So as things take a turn for the worse, grudges and ill feeling bubble to the surface, causing conflict and animosity. As the groups distrust of one another escalates, it becomes almost as dangerous as the killer stalking them from the shadows.
Based on a story by Kristen Roupenian, Sarah DeLappe’s script sparkles with razor sharp dialogue and modern references. The narcissistic house mates whip smart and snappy exchanges, which keep the film moving along at a rapid pace, are legitimately funny and thoroughly entertaining. Cast wise, Pete Davidson slots perfectly into the role of privileged host David, while Rachel Sennott, star of last years Shiva Baby, is the films MVP as irritating podcaster / influencer Alice. Refreshingly for a horror, the film is not squeamish in showing same sex couples, with the relationship between Sophie and Bee, forming the foundation of the story.
There is a noticeable lull in the second half as the film strays into generic slasher territory, but a final flourish delivers an extremely clever twist, in keeping with the films chaotically satirical tone.
A blackly comedic modern slasher in the ‘Scream’ mould and a far superior entry into the genre than last years tired 6th instalment in that franchise.
Filled with tension, unpredictable kills and a banging soundtrack, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a whole lot of fun and manages something many thought impossible, by bringing something new to the teen slasher genre.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paul Steward
@grittster
25/09/22