IR Film Review: BODIES BODIES BODIES [A24]
Creating a play on the horror genre with a sense of anticipation depends sometimes on perception of the idea being written but in many ways sometimes who is cast. An interesting play with "Bodies Bodies Bodies" is casting Amandla Stenberg ("The Hate U Give" & "The Darkest Minds") with Maria Bakalova (the breakout alongside Sascha Baron Cohen in the most recent "Borat" sequel). Both bring a certain perspective and especially a certain ideal or want as a couple who enter into a house party right before a hurricane at the film's inset. Many of the other friends in the house are basic unknowns without that essence of perception. Pete Davidson is the character whose family owns the house and he plays the character in his motormouth, jittery fashion which again plays to the idea of what the game eventually becomes. This is, in certain ways, like a deconstructed "Clue" with a bit less tongue-in-cheek approach and perhaps even less motivation except circumstance.
Human behavior tends to backfire on itself especially towards the end. Bakalova fares the best as this is something completely different from her previous entry and she knows what direction she is going in, even though the film doesn't allow for the pathos needed. The person who is the best in the scenario (which is great since the credits don't initially show who he is) is Lee Pace who has been known to transform lately. Here, he plays what is considered a "vet" which is an interesting play in the script and in the texture of his actions and tone. A confrontation later in the film is quite well done because it moves against this perception and yet because no one in the house save for 2 or 3 people are with new partners, there is a lack of trust from the beginning as well as bad feelings. This, of course, is exaserbated by a storm, lack of cell service, people speaking in lies out of passion (and not reality) and an accident the house cannot comprehend. Adding to this fact is that one of their friends Max never returned or did he? "Bodies Bodies Bodies" tries to reflect on itself but it seems to lag at many points against its own will despite its need and want to move along. B-
By Tim Wassberg
