Bottoms
Here's what we found in Bottoms. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Bottoms
Bottoms is a 2023 American satirical black comedy film directed by Emma Seligman and co-written with Rachel Sennott. It centers on two unpopular lesbian high school seniors, Josie and PJ, who start a self-defense fight club as a misguided and manipulative scheme to attract and hook up with their cheerleader crushes. The movie operates in an exaggerated, surreal high school environment, full of hyperbole and dark humor, satirizing classic teen movie tropes and the social hierarchy. It features a fast-paced narrative with frequent, often graphic, comedic violence, pervasive strong language, and explicit sexual themes. The film is intended for a mature audience due to its adult content and themes.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film centrally features two lesbian protagonists, Josie and PJ, whose primary motivation for starting a fight club is to attract and engage romantically and sexually with their female crushes. It offers prominent queer representation, normalizing lesbian characters in a teen comedy, though some portrayals have been noted to lean into potentially problematic stereotypes.
The main characters, Josie and PJ, are explicitly referred to as 'unpopular lesbian virgins' who orchestrate an elaborate scheme (the fight club) to 'seduce female cheerleaders' like Isabel and Brittany. A significant plotline involves Josie's developing relationship with Isabel (a 'queer Asian American girl'), culminating in their passionate kiss at the film's conclusion.
Violence
Bottoms contains frequent and often graphic comedic violence, including close-up depictions of physical altercations with visible blood, cuts, and injuries. While mostly played for dark laughs, some scenes portray violence more seriously, and the climax features extreme, fantastical violence.
Romance and Sexual Content
Sexual content and explicit references are pervasive and central to the film's plot, which revolves around the protagonists' desire to lose their virginity and 'hook up' with cheerleaders. The film features crude sexual jokes, suggestive situations, and implied sexual activity.
Profanity
The movie contains nearly constant strong profanity, with a very high frequency of explicit language throughout the dialogue.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellious behavior are central to the protagonists' actions and the film's satirical tone. The main characters consistently engage in manipulation, lies, and defiance against authority figures, and the school environment itself is depicted as chaotic and lawless.
Would these 5 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
18+ due to pervasive crude sexual content, explicit LGBTQ+ themes, frequent strong profanity, and graphic, albeit comedic, violence. The film's R-rating by the MPAA reinforces its mature themes and content.
Good to Know
The film is a standalone feature and does not have sequels, seasons, or adaptations to track for evolving content concerns. Its humor is highly satirical and absurdist, which influences the portrayal of violence and other mature themes.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families