Bottoms

In the heartwarming and hilarious coming-of-age film "Bottoms," two misfit high school students, PJ and Josie, embark on an ambitious journey to shake up their mundane lives and change the dynamics of their social status. Their quest for adventure and a chance to hook up with their classmates culminates in the formation of the school's first-ever self-defense club, revolutionizing the very concept of masculinity at their school. AsPJ, a bit of an oddball with an eccentric mom, and Josie, the loveliest of outsiders, find themselves struggling to connect with their peers, they share a dream: finally breaking through the glass ceiling of virginality, hidden behind countless unrequited crushes, awkward hookups, and unfulfilled desires. PJ's passion for dance and art serves as a stark contrast to his insecurities, instigating a desire to break free from his enclosed social corners. Similar anxiety, although expressed silently, clouds Josie's personality, constantly nudging her towards more passionate and exciting experiences. Against a backdrop of a rather stagnant school social hierarchy, their journey commences in the summer before their senior year. Unfazed by the anticipated challenges, PJ and Josie collaborate their skills, coming up with a genius plan-their self-defense club will both earn them credentials and build connections around them. At first glance, they think it's a foolproof plan. They envision themselves touting 'self-defense expertise,' helping others to improve their self-esteem and preparing themselves to score within school. Enlisting a handful of students, both willing to explore the concept and merely seeking social relief, the duo form a most unlikely crew. Armed with fervent determination and awkward stances, the defense club members initiate their meetings, attempting to put into practice their raw fighting skills. Gradually, however, their interactions reach beyond strictly structured practice routines and allow their genuine personalities to shine through. The duo's initiative quickly gains momentum, with influential students starting to take notice of this fresh movement. Suddenly, clashes between students become a dominant theme among the students' social lives. What was initially targeted to educate peer groups and become a tool to spice their romantic encounters blossoms into something so profound that challenges the foundations of their traditional, traditional male athletic culture at their school. When senior year arrives, these clubs multiply, causing huge attention among seniors and younger college students as popular students enthusiastically sign up, eventually eager to participate in the exciting confrontations which at this point are centered around defending the name of the group. Older authorities, now fearing social revolution, the authorities try everything to subdue the growing, self-defense movement. It occurs that neither of PJ's unyielding friendship ideas had prepared him for its massive repercussions. Furthermore, to Josie, who loves both PJ and her school despite it being a community that needs improvement, this results in both disheartening outcomes and self-discovery experiences. Not to forget PJ and Josie's friendship which transcends both its new high status within the school social hierarchy and a connection much deeper than physical - has transformed as an alliance that values change, growth and deep-seated encouragement. Thus, "Bottoms", narrating two underdogs chasing something their peers consider essential yet seemingly impossible, shows perhaps more essential male friendship than battle drills as they explore fighting for the meaning and purpose of what fighting truly is.