· Bottoms · by Emma Seligman @ Beatley Library

Oddball Cinema’s Thursday-evening shows this year will be devoted to movies about women; they’ll be the main characters, and many of the features are written and/or directed by women. In this movie, two dejected lesbian high-school students realize that they’re not getting dates due to their drab appearance and bland personalities; they’re regarded as the “bottoms” of the local social hierarchy. The pair have no attraction to each other but are drawn toward cheerleaders, gymnasts, and other cuties. A scheme to start an after-school women’s self-defense club seems like a good way to mix with other girls, but with no experience or training in martial arts, they invent some tall tales to convince the faculty they’d be competent organizers. One lie leads to another, and once the club is established, it quickly descends into chaos. The plot lurches awkwardly at times, but eventually it rushes headlong toward a truly grand finale.

■ Title — Bottoms
■ Director — Emma Seligman
■ Cast — Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Ruby Cruz
■ Rated R for language and ridiculous violence
■ ©2023 | 1h 31m | Comedy
■ Distributed by MGM