40 Facts About Bottoms (film)

Plot Overview

"Bottoms" is a 2023 American satirical comedy film that has captured the attention of audiences with its unique blend of humor and social commentary. Directed by Emma Seligman and co-written with Rachel Sennott, the film explores high school dynamics, feminism, and queer identity in a refreshingly absurd manner.

1. 01The plot follows two high school senior girls, PJ and Josie, who start a fight club as a way to hook up with cheerleaders.
2. 02The film is set in Rockbridge Falls High School, where football is the dominant sport and the quarterback, Jeff, is celebrated as a god.

Main Characters

The characters in "Bottoms" are as diverse as they are compelling, each bringing their own quirks and complexities to the story.

3. 03PJ, played by Rachel Sennott, is an unpopular lesbian virgin who is part of the fight club.
4. 04Josie, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, is PJ's best friend and also an unpopular lesbian virgin.
5. 05Brittany, played by Kaia Gerber, is a popular cheerleader who becomes involved with the fight club.
6. 06Isabel, portrayed by Havana Rose Liu, is another popular cheerleader who joins the fight club.
7. 07Jeff, played by Nicholas Galitzine, is the star quarterback who is initially involved with Isabel but later becomes a target for the fight club.

Production Team

Behind every great film is a dedicated team of creatives who bring the vision to life. "Bottoms" is no exception.

8. 08Emma Seligman directed and co-wrote the film with Rachel Sennott.
9. 09Producers include Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Emma Seligman, Ted Deiker, Alison Small, and Alana Mayo.

Filming Locations

Finding the right locations for filming can be a challenge, especially for a film with a unique premise like "Bottoms."

10. 10The film was primarily shot in New Orleans between April 18 and May 27, 2022.
11. 11Due to the sensitive nature of the film's premise, it was challenging to find high school campuses willing to lend their space, leading to the use of an abandoned elementary school and a college gymnasium for filming.

Casting

The cast of "Bottoms" includes a mix of established actors and fresh faces, each bringing something special to the table.

12. 12Notable actors in the cast include Marshawn Lynch, Ruby Cruz, Dagmara Domińczyk, and Punkie Johnson.
13. 13Marshawn Lynch was cast at the suggestion of Alana Mayo, who pointed him out after seeing his appearance on the Netflix series "Murderville."

Music Score

Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for any film. "Bottoms" features an eclectic mix of songs and an original score.

14. 14The original film score was composed by Charli XCX and Leo Birenberg.
15. 15The film features songs like "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne, "Pain" by King Princess, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, and "Party 4 U" by Charli XCX.

Themes

"Bottoms" delves into various themes, making it more than just a comedy.

16. 16The film explores themes of feminism, empowerment, and the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society.
17. 17It also delves into high school dynamics and the complexities of queer relationships.

Satirical Elements

The film uses satire to comment on societal norms, making it both humorous and thought-provoking.

18. 18"Bottoms" is a satirical comedy that uses absurdity to comment on societal norms.
19. 19The film's central plot—two unpopular lesbians starting a fight club to attract popular cheerleaders—is an outrageous idea that the film is well aware of.

High School Setting

The high school setting provides a backdrop for exploring societal pressures and hierarchies.

20. 20The film takes place in Rockbridge Falls High School, where football is the dominant sport and the quarterback is celebrated as a god.
21. 21This setting allows for an exploration of the societal pressures and hierarchies within a high school environment.

Fight Club Motivation

The fight club in "Bottoms" serves a dual purpose, adding complexity to the characters' actions.

22. 22PJ and Josie start the fight club under the guise of female empowerment but with the ulterior motive of attracting girls.
23. 23This dual purpose adds complexity to their actions and motivations throughout the film.

Club Members

The fight club attracts a variety of members, each bringing their own dynamics to the group.

24. 24The fight club attracts various members, including Brittany and Isabel, who are initially disinterested but eventually become involved in the club's activities.
25. 25The club members bond through chaotic and bloody sessions, which serve as a form of self-defense training.

Advisor

Every club needs an advisor, and the fight club is no exception.

26. 26The club requires an advisor, which they convince their disinterested history teacher Mr. G to serve.
27. 27Mr. G is initially unaware of the club's true intentions but eventually renounces feminism after discovering the truth.

Hazel’s Role

Hazel plays a crucial role in the formation and continuation of the fight club.

28. 28Hazel is a friend of PJ and Josie who helps them start the fight club.
29. 29She also has a personal vendetta against Jeff, whose best friend Tim confirms suspicions that PJ and Josie never went to juvenile detention.

Romantic Relationships

The film explores various romantic relationships, adding another layer of complexity.

30. 30Josie and Isabel have sex, while PJ kisses Brittany but is disappointed to learn she is straight.
31. 31These romantic relationships add a layer of complexity to the characters' interactions and motivations.

Plot Twist

A significant plot twist shakes up the dynamics within the film.

32. 32At a pep rally for the school's football game against Huntington High, Tim tricks Hazel into representing the club by fighting the school's top boxer.
33. 33This plot twist exposes PJ and Josie's lies and their original selfish reasons for founding the club.

Consequences

Actions have consequences, and the characters in "Bottoms" face their fair share.

34. 34Isabel turns against Josie, and they fall out with PJ.
35. 35They are told off by Mr. G, who renounces feminism. The feuding friends are further ostracized at school, while Jeff wins back Isabel.

Reconciliation

Despite the fallout, the characters find a way to reconcile.

36. 36Josie seeks advice from her childhood babysitter Rhodes, who reveals that Huntington tradition involves killing a Rockbridge football player.
37. 37This revelation leads to Josie and PJ reconciling with each other and Hazel, reuniting the club to stop Huntington's plans.

Final Confrontation

The climax of the film is both intense and absurd, staying true to its satirical nature.

38. 38At the game, they discover pineapple juice has been added to the football field's sprinkler system to kill Jeff, who is deathly allergic to pineapple.
39. 39Hazel attempts to distract the crowd with another bomb, which fails to detonate. Isabel and Brittany rejoin the club in a brutal brawl with the Huntington team, as Josie carries Jeff to safety before the sprinklers go off.

Resolution

The film wraps up with a chaotic yet satisfying resolution.

40. 40With most of the Huntington players dead, Tim realizes the plot to kill Jeff and leads the crowd in celebrating the club for saving him. Josie and Isabel embrace with a kiss, while Hazel's bomb finally explodes.

Final Thoughts on Bottoms

"Bottoms" is a standout film in 2023, blending humor, satire, and themes like feminism and queer identity. Directed by Emma Seligman and co-written with Rachel Sennott, the movie has gained attention for its unique plot and engaging characters. PJ and Josie's journey through high school, starting a fight club to attract cheerleaders, offers a fresh take on high school dynamics. The film's production faced challenges, but the result is a critically acclaimed piece that resonates with audiences. With a diverse cast, eclectic music, and a satirical lens, "Bottoms" has made a significant cultural impact. Emma Seligman's career continues to rise, with future projects anticipated to build on the success of this film. Whether you're drawn to its humor, themes, or characters, "Bottoms" is a must-watch that leaves a lasting impression.