Bodies Bodies Bodies: A Twisted Game of Accusation
A group of privileged young adults gathers at a sprawling mansion for a party. Among them are Sophie (Amandla Stenberg), recently estranged from the group, and her girlfriend, Bee (Maria Bakalova). Their arrival is met with a mix of awkwardness and forced enthusiasm. As a hurricane descends, trapping everyone indoors, they decide to play a game called “Bodies Bodies Bodies” to pass the time.
The rules are simple: the lights go out, and one person is designated the “killer,” silently “murdering” other players. If someone discovers a “dead” body, they shout “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” the lights come on, and everyone tries to identify the killer. However, after the first round, tensions flare, and the friends scatter. When the power goes out due to the storm, they find the party’s host, David (Pete Davidson), dead outside with his throat slashed. Now, the friends must uncover the real killer among them, with no escape from the raging storm.
Rachel Sennott as Alice in “Bodies Bodies Bodies”
A24’s Signature Twist on the Slasher Genre
A24 rarely misses the mark when it comes to independent cinema, consistently staying ahead of the curve. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is no exception. This darkly comedic slasher subverts the classic “teens gone wrong” trope, presenting exaggerated characters that are both familiar and satirical. Alice (played brilliantly by Rachel Sennott, delivering the film’s most quotable lines) is a perpetually infatuated and slightly hysterical girl who judges everyone based on their zodiac sign, while her new boyfriend, Greg (Lee Pace), is only known for having his moon in Libra. The relationship between the bored socialite David (Pete Davidson) and Emma (Chase Sui Wonders) is a constant struggle. All are wealthy and white, except for Sophie and Bee, who feel like outsiders. The characters’ dialogue is reminiscent of heated online arguments, and their obsession with TikTok is reflected in references to 2021 memes.
Maria Bakalova as Bee in “Bodies Bodies Bodies”
A Modern “Whodunit” with Social Commentary
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” explores how we play the “Wheel of Misfortune” of social issues, constantly searching for someone to blame for societal ills while trying to maintain our own innocence. In their desperate attempt to find the killer, the characters are quick to dredge up each other’s past transgressions, even turning on their closest friends to deflect suspicion. Like a classic Agatha Christie mystery, the film invites us to gather clues and identify the killer. With no gardener in sight, the culprit must be among the main characters. The unpredictable ending reveals the futility of their investigation and challenges the audience to reconsider the nature of their own suspicions.
Lee Pace as Greg in “Bodies Bodies Bodies”
The Power of Performance
Despite its clever plot and entertaining concept, the film’s strength lies in the performances of Rachel Sennott, Amandla Stenberg, and Maria Bakalova. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is driven by the actors’ charisma and chemistry. While it is a slasher film, it relies more on wit and tension than gore. The film offers an engaging game of detective work and a rapid-fire barrage of punchlines, making for a killer evening. However, it is unlikely to become a film you’ll want to rewatch.