The Slasher for the 'Extremely Online'
Bodies Bodies Bodies arrived in 2022 as a sort of cultural litmus test for how we view Gen Z. It’s a movie that understands its subjects perfectly—the way they weaponize empathy, the way they record everything for an invisible audience, and the way they crumble the second things get 'real.'
Setting the film in a dark mansion during a hurricane is a classic trope, but the way director Halina Reijn uses the glow of iPhone flashlights and neon glow-sticks gives it a modern, claustrophobic energy. The mystery itself is well-constructed, but the real 'horror' comes from the dialogue. You’ll hear characters argue about who has the most 'marginalized' struggle while standing over a literal corpse.
Why it works for parents and teens
If you have a teen who spends a lot of time on TikTok or Instagram, this is a great 'media literacy' watch. It’s an exaggeration, sure, but it highlights the absurdity of online discourse when applied to a life-or-death situation. It’s also just a very effective thriller. The tension is thick, the jump scares are earned, and the ending is one of the most satisfying 'I should have seen that coming' moments in recent horror history.
Just be prepared for the 'R' rating. It doesn't hold back on the drugs or the gore. If your kid isn't ready for Scream or Mean Girls on steroids, maybe skip this one for a few years.