Movie Review

Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy

Maria Bakalova and Amandla Stenberg in Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Photo by Gwen Capistran

People behaving badly can sometimes be among the most entertaining types of films, as the spectacle of them giving in to their basest instincts is great escapism for many who would rarely, if ever, dare to indulge in such activities. That kind of story also gives the audience permission to pass judgment over the characters, condemning their actions while still being entertained by the malfeasance.

The filmmakers behind Bodies Bodies Bodies know this, and they load their story with all sorts of scenarios that the audience can second-guess. A group of entitled twenty-something friends has gathered for a hurricane party, hoping to have some blackout revelry as the storm rolls through. The group includes Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) and her girlfriend Bee (Maria Bakalova), couple David (Pete Davidson) and Emma (Chase Sui Wonders), new couple Alice (Rachel Sennott) and Greg (Lee Pace), and the solo Jordan (Myha’la Herrold).

Along with the drinking and the drugs, they decide to play a game called “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” in which the lights are turned off, one person is secretly designated as “the killer,” and that person “kills” someone else simply by touching them. But when one of them actually turns up dead, confusion about the circumstances of that person’s death reigns supreme, and it’s not long before people starting turning on each other.

Directed by Halina Reijn and written by Sarah DeLappe, the film is a really fun play on the horror/comedy genre, accompanied by some nice digs at modern-day youth culture. The filmmakers establish early on that the group has a lot of internal strife, and the level of trust among them is relatively low for people who claim to be friends. Old rifts rise to the surface quickly, especially when things start to hit the fan.

We don’t get to know any of the characters that well, but that’s a plus for the story they’re trying to tell. Characters have over-the-top reactions to both small and big things, indicating both a hidden history among the group and the impetuousness of youth. Among the many hilarious things about the movie is the way it pokes fun at the psyches of members of Generation Z, using buzzwords like “triggered,” “safe space,” and others.

Though the film has some horror movie trappings — remote location, spotty cell service, blackouts — it’s clear that it’s not playing by strict horror movie rules. Sparse lighting in the form of glowsticks and smartphone flashlights ups the tension, often keeping the audience literally and figuratively in the dark, but the scenes induce laughter as much as they do fear. Violent acts that occur can be intense, but the petty infighting that accompanies the scenes helps lighten the mood.

The young cast is led by higher-profile actors like Stenberg, Davidson, and Bakalova, but they become a true ensemble as the film goes along. Davidson plays true to his Saturday Night Live persona, which is perfect for his role. Sennott stands out thanks to her character’s hysterics, and she steals many of the scenes she’s in. Pace is the odd man out as the oldest one of the group, but the age difference — and his performance — plays well for the story.

Bodies Bodies Bodies is a great antidote to a summer blockbuster season in which many films didn’t live up to their promise. It does a lot with a little, showcasing its cast and clever story to the utmost.

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Bodies Bodies Bodies opens in theaters on August 12.

Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott in Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott in Bodies Bodies Bodies

Photo by Eric Chakeen

Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott in Bodies Bodies Bodies.

weekend event planner

Here are the top 15 things to do in Houston this Mother's Day weekend

Dave Matthews Band

Photo courtesy of Live Nation

Dave Matthews Band make its annual visit to Houston on Friday.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, which means brunch spots will be packed to the gills!

Thankfully, we dropped a rundown of more than 30 places people can take their moms for a loving get-together – all while guzzling mimosas. Elsewhere, we have a couple of AAPI Heritage Month fests, a local brewery’s 15th anniversary bash, a wine-heavy road show, and a concert featuring one of your parents’ favorite bands back in college. (If you ask them about it, they’ll probably say, “Guilty as charged!”)

By the way, the canceled Beats at the Bayou event that we mentioned here last week has been rescheduled for this Friday. Just thought you should know.

Thursday, May 7

Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday Block Party
Mid Main Houston will throw its last monthly block party for the season, and it’s gonna be a rager. DJ Hot Rocks will spin tunes at the check-in, while Little Outfit, The Texas Turbines, Chapter Three, About Time, and Dizzy Izzy will be playing around the area. Abigail Simpson will close out her State of Feeling exhibit at Mid Main Gallery with a collage workshop, and don’t forget about the street market on Winbern. Life science hub Biohouston will be the nonprofit getting donation love this month. 6 pm.

Congregation Emanu El presents Adeena Sussman
Known for cookbooks such as Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals From My Table To Yours and Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen, Sussman will speak as part of the synagogue's Endowment Speaker Series, “Jewish Life, Community, Cuisine, and Culture.” She has written for or been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and many more. Tickets, $35, include a signed copy of Zariz: 100 Easy, Breezy, Tel Aviv-y Recipes.

Alley Theatre presents Fences
This weekend is the last weekend to catch Alley Theatre’s production of August Wilson's Tony-winning drama. A former baseball player struggles with the realities of life and the pursuit of happiness. Amidst racial prejudice and unfulfilled dreams, the challenges of parenthood and the bonds of family are tested. Many people have seen the 2016 movie adaptation, where Denzel Washington directed and stars alongside Viola Davis, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday; 2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Girl Just Doesn't Go Away!
On Thursday and Friday, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will present special work-in-progress screenings of The Girl Just Doesn't Go Away!, in which award-winning filmmaker Trisha Ziff considers the cultural and commercial fascination with Frida Kahlo. The film will be introduced by Ziff, who will participate in a post-film discussion with Arden Decker, associate director of the ICAA at the MFAH. 7:30 pm.

Friday, May 8

Panda Fest
Panda Fest will feature over 60 food vendors, live performances, panda-themed fun, and family-friendly activities that showcase the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. There will also be a cultural marketplace, which will showcase more than 15 vendors featuring artisan crafts, clothing, accessories, and Asian heritage goods. Visitors can also enjoy a 15-foot inflatable panda, themed games, panda merchandise, and Instagram-worthy installations. 4 pm (10 am Saturday & Sunday).

Texas Hill Country Wineries Houston Road Show
Texas Hill Country Wineries is bringing 14 wineries and over 35 wines from the Hill Country for an evening tasting experience. This event will feature winery personalities, including owners, winemakers, vineyard managers, and more. Guests can experience Texas Hill Country wines at a walk-around tasting featuring hand-picked wines from each participating winery. A ticket includes 20 tasting tickets, charcuterie, and an event wine glass to take home. 6 pm.

House of Blues Houston presents Crazy Train: America’s Ozzy Experience
The House of Blues is gearing up for a night of rock when Crazy Train, the ultimate Ozzy Osbourne tribute show, comes to town. Crazy Train is fronted by Vinny Cormier, recognized as North America’s No. 1 Ozzy Osbourne tribute artist, and supported by a band full of Berklee dropouts (including Cormier’s son Dylan) who deliver a captivating, live-and-loud show unlike any other, musically and visually. 6:30 pm.

Dave Matthews Band in concert
For decades, Dave Matthews Band has been the walking embodiment of racial unity. Starting way back in the ‘90s, the South African American singer/songwriter has led a band where Black and white men literally play in perfect harmony. The group has released 10 albums in its career, most recently Walk Around the Moon in 2023. Dave and the guys are still out there, proving once and for all that we can get along – and score multiplatinum records in the process. 7:30 pm.

Saturday, May 9

Karbach Brewing Co. presents 15th Anniversary Bash
The beers are cold, the music is loud, and Karbach is turning 15! The anniversary bash will feature a full day of live music, crawfish, local vendors, giveaways, and special release brews. (We’ll always be fans of their Rodeo Clown Double IPA – just sayin’!) There will be live music from The Wilder Blue, Night Cap, Bayou City Funk, Lucid Illusions, Marco from Houston, and Keyun & The Zydeco Masters. 11 am.

OCA Greater Houston presents AAPI Fest
OCA Greater Houston will present the inaugural AAPI Fest. Bringing together more than 100 vendors representing over 50 cultures, the fest will feature a mix of food, art, fashion, and cultural experiences alongside live performances by Korean American pop artist Gun Boi Kaz and Houston-based cultural groups like Kaminari Taiko, South Sea Productions, Sanggar Tari Citra Indonesia, and Unity Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe.

Dave Matthews Band

Photo courtesy of Live Nation

Dave Matthews Band make its annual visit to Houston on Friday.

93' Til X Khói Barbecue
93’ Til chef Lung Ly and Khói Barbecue pitmaster Don Nguyen will join forces for their annual, one-day-only culinary collaboration. The Houston Vietnamese American chefs will present a special, limited-time menu combining flavors of 93’ Til and Khói Barbecue to be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with dishes available until sold out. This collaboration celebrates AAPI Month, bringing together two of Houston’s standout Vietnamese American culinary voices for an experience that highlights creativity, culture and live-fire cooking. 6 pm.

Hidden Gems: Short Films Showcase
The second volume of the Hidden Gems showcase will feature a diverse lineup of short films created by Houston-based artists. The evening highlights flicks from our community, offering a mix of styles and perspectives. After the screenings, stick around for a group Q&A discussion with the filmmakers to learn more about their creative process and stories behind the films. Also featuring local vendors such as Death2streaming DVD swap, Slated Magazine, and Gigsy. 7 pm.

Sunday, May 10

Improv Houston presents Ali Siddiq & Dave Lawson: Mothers Day Celebration
Based in Houston, Ali Siddiq has traveled the comedy circuit for over 15 years using wit, thought-provoking punch lines, life experiences, and perfect comedic timing to engage diverse, racial and cultural audiences through stand-up and other mediums as a writer, producer, and host. His YouTube specials have been amassing millions of views online. This weekend, he'll be joined by fellow comedian Dave Lawson for a special Mother's Day celebration. 4 & 7 pm.

Rooftop Cinema Club presents Mamma Mia!
Rooftop Cinema Club will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a screening of Mamma Mia!, the beloved 2008 adaptation of the hit musical featuring ABBA classics. An independent, single mother (Meryl Streep) who owns a small hotel on a Greek island is about to marry off the spirited young daughter (Amanda Seyfried) she's raised alone. But, the daughter has secretly invited three of her mother's ex-lovers in the hopes of finding her biological father. 6:50 pm.

Houston Latin American Philharmonic presents Mothers Day Serenade
The Houston Latin American Philharmonic presents its traditional Mother's Day Serenade to honor the noblest human being on Earth: our mothers. The program includes “Moliendo Café,” “A Mi Manera,” “Yo Me Llamo Cumbia,” “Como la Flor,” “Volver Volver,” “Mexico Lindo y Querido,” and more. Guest artists include Neyda Perdomo (known as “The Diamond Voice of Venezuela”), Saul Avalos, El Gallito de Oro, and, from Colombia, Andrea Gaetan – aka “The Queen of Cumbia.” 7 pm.

things to do mother's day houston weekend events event planner

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