Three years ago, out writer/director Emma Seligman released her critically adored comedy, “Shiva Baby.” It had to screen largely virtually because most theaters were closed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it nonetheless caused a stir.
Now she is back with the new film, “Bottoms,” which premiered at SXSW and will be in theaters next week. As a way to lose their virginities to cheerleaders as they hit their senior year, out students PJ (“Shiva Baby” star Rachel Sennott) and Josie (“The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri) come up with a plan to start a fight club to teach girls self-defense.
It works — high school students attend, the club gets a sponsor, and two girls PJ and Josie have their eyes on are suddenly on more friendly terms with them.
Seligman and Sennott came up with the idea for this well before “Shiva Baby.” It’s a sex comedy, a high school comedy, and a buddy picture all rolled into one.